Fetus in fetu: report of a case and literature review

An infant with testicular Fetus-in-fetu in the abdominal cavity: rare case report

Background

Fetus-in-fetu (FIF) represents an exceedingly rare disease, characterized as an encapsulated and pedunculated vertebrate neoplasm, typically lacking cerebral tissue. The prevalence shows no gender preference. Notably, FIF can cause compressive damage to adjacent organs and tissues, potentially impeding the host's development and maturation.

Case presentation

A four-month-old male infant was identified, during pregnancy, to have a left-sided pelvic mass on ultrasound. Subsequent evaluations suggested the mass could be a FIF, exhibiting active movement. Surgical exploration revealed that the mass's left boundary was connected to the left spermatic cord and vas deferens. Pathological analysis post-surgery showed the absence of testicular tissue, but the presence of skin tissue, cartilage-like structures, and gastrointestinal elements. Additionally, localized tissue resembling vertebrae confirmed the diagnosis of testicular FIF.

Conclusion

An intraperitoneal testicular FIF is extremely rare, with its cause still unknown. This groundbreaking report details the diagnosis and management of such a case. Following a FIF diagnosis, prompt surgical removal is crucial, along with regular follow-up using ultrasound and tumor markers.

Fetus in fetu in an adult woman

Fetus in fetu (FIF) is an extremely rare condition in which malformed fetus is found most commonly in the retroperitoneum of living twin. It occurs in about 1 in 500 000 live births and less than 200 cases have been reported in medical literature. We report FIF in a 17-year-old woman unlike other cases which were usually detected in early age and in male gender. This is the eighth case of adult FIF and the first case of FIF in adult woman worldwide. Preoperative diagnosis of FIF on CT was made and planned for exploratory laparotomy. The excised malformed fetus in a sac was proven as FIF on the basis of histopathological examination. In view to avoid such late presentation, early detection of FIF with radiological imaging in clinically suspected case is recommended. Surgical excision is the ideal treatment even teratoma is the differential diagnosis.

Fetus in fetu: an unusual case study for the neonatal nurse practitioner

Fetus in fetu is an extremely unusual occurrence where a rare congenital tumor containing a vertebral axis, often containing parts of other organs or limbs, is identified. Normally identified in the newborn period, the size and location of the mass may result in significant multiorgan compromise. This article presents the challenges encountered by the neonatal intensive care unit team in providing care for a late preterm female infant presenting with gross abdominal distension. Description of the case includes preoperative management along with management of severe coagulopathy and hemorrhage that arose during the intraoperative and postsurgical course of care. A brief overview of abdominal masses in the newborn is presented. The importance in determining the final diagnosis of fetus in fetu and its differentiation from teratoma is discussed.

[Homunculus: Fetiform teratoma]

The term homunculus is a rare form of ovarian teratoma, highly differentiated that resembles a malformed fetus. Very few cases are reported in the literature. We present the clinical, pathological and imaging of this tumor type.