Introduction: Fetus in fetu is a rare abnormality secondary to the abnormal embryogenesis in a diamniotic, monochorionic pregnancy. It is a rare pathological condition and fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the literature.
Case Presentation: A 2 month old girl with an abdominal mass since birth, was referred to the Cancer Institute with a suspected diagnosis of a Wilms' tumor. Conventional radiograph of the abdomen revealed a mass containing numerous calcifications. CT scan showed a heterogeneous retroperitoneal mass containing well-defined calcified structures. The decision was made to recommend surgical exploration and the mass was successfully excised. Physical examination of the mass with review of literature confirmed the diagnosis of fetus in fetu.
Conclusion: Although it is a rare condition imaging may play an important role in the correct prospective diagnosis of fetus in fetu. Surgical excision is the recommended treatment.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2253549 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-2-2 | DOI Listing |
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFFetus in fetu (FIF) is a rare anomaly characterized by the presence of a monozygotic twin that becomes incorporated into the abdomen of its sibling during fetal development. FIF is a rare congenital condition typically identified in infancy. We present a case of FIF in a 16-year-old male, which is an extremely rare presentation during adolescence.
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Article Synopsis
- Fetus-in-fetu (FIF) is a very rare condition where a malformed twin develops inside another fetus, often without brain tissue, and can harm the host's organs.
- A case of a four-month-old boy showed a pelvic mass indicating FIF, which was confirmed through surgery and pathology revealing skin, cartilage, and gastrointestinal tissues but no testicular tissue.
- The report emphasizes the importance of prompt surgical removal for FIF and suggests ongoing monitoring post-surgery using ultrasound and tumor markers, as its causes remain unknown.
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