Fetus in fetu: a case report and literature review

Pediatrics. 2000 Jun;105(6):1335-44. doi: 10.1542/peds.105.6.1335.

Abstract

Fetus in fetu is a rare condition in which a fetiform calcified mass often is present in the abdomen of its host, a newborn or an infant. We report on a case of a 19-month-old girl whose plain abdominal radiograph, ultrasonography, and computed tomography scan revealed a mass in which the contents favor a fetus in fetu rather than a teratoma. The noncalcified vertebral column invisible on the radiographs was identified by the pathologist; therefore, the nonvisualization of the vertebral axis on radiography or on computed tomography scan does not exclude the diagnosis of fetus in fetu.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcinosis*
  • Female
  • Fetal Death* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Twins*