Twin pregnancy with fetus papyraceus – vanishing twin

Abstract

Fetus papyraceus is a mummified fetus, which is related to multiple gestations.[1] In this rare condition, one fetus expires and becomes compressed between the uterine wall and membrane of the other fetus. Surviving infant is at high risk of developing complications secondary to the release of thrombi and other factors from the dead fetus; including prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation, gastroschisis, intestinal atresia, aplasia cutis, congenital heart abnormalities, and even death. We have reported consecutive case series in dichorionic diamniotic twins and monochorionic diamniotic twins successively. In our case reports, both pregnancies resulted in preterm deliveries and were managed successfully without any complications.