Abstract
IntroductionFetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition wherein a malformed fetus is found in the abdomen of its twin. This entity is differentiated from teratoma by its embryological origin, its unusual location in the retroperitoneal space, and the presence of vertebral organization with limb buds and well-developed organ systems. The literature cites less than 100 cases worldwide of twin fetus in fetu.Case presentationA two-and-a-half-month-old Asian Indian baby boy had two malformed fetuses in his abdomen. The pre-operative diagnosis was made by performing an ultrasound and a 64-slice computer tomography scan of the baby's abdomen. Two fetoid-like masses were successfully excised from the retroperitoneal area of his abdomen. A macroscopic examination, an X-ray of the specimen after operation, and the histological features observed were suggestive of twin fetus in fetu.ConclusionFetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition. Before any operation is carried out on a patient, imaging studies should first be conducted to differentiate this condition from teratoma. Surgical excision is a curative procedure, and a macroscopic examination of the sac should be done after twin or multiple fetus in fetu are excised.
Highlights
Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition wherein a malformed fetus is found in the abdomen of its twin
Before any operation is carried out on a patient, imaging studies should first be conducted to differentiate this condition from teratoma
Fetus in fetu (FIF) is a rare condition associated with abnormal embryogenesis in a diamniotic, monochorionic pregnancy, wherein a vertebrate fetus is enclosed within the body of another normally developing fetus [1]
Summary
Alhtough it is rarely the conclusive diagnosis, FIF should still be considered in a child presenting with progressively increasing abdominal swelling and vomiting. Definitive diagnosis is best made using CT and MRI techniques, plain X-rays and ultrasonography can still be useful in the initial work-up prior to surgery. Post-operative X-ray examination of a specimen from the mass can confirm the diagnosis of FIF. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the parents of our patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.`. Author details 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. Authors’ contributions ANG, SPS and PS operated on our patient and reviewed the literature. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
