Fetus in fetu: a rare cause of a neonatal mass

Fetus-in-fetu: two case reports

The objective of our study is to describe the sonographic findings of an extremely rare pathology. We therefore present two case reports of prenatal diagnosis of fetus-in-fetu (FIF) with a review of the literature. FIF is a benign disorder, unlike the teratoma with which often enter into the differential diagnosis, localized in most cases in the retroperitoneal space. Prenatal diagnosis is based mainly on ultrasound and radiological characteristics. The treatment of choice is surgical excision. The importance of prenatal diagnosis of fetus-in-fetu and the effect on subsequent management are described.

Perinatal diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal fetus in fetu: A case report

Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. We describe the perinatal diagnosis and management of a fetus with oropharyngeal and cervical fetus in fetu. High-resolution ultrasonography with 3-dimensional rendering can identify increased risks of airway obstruction in utero. Early identification allows a multidisciplinary team to be assembled for a scheduled ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure.

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.

Fetus in fetu--from prenatal ultrasound and MRI diagnosis to postnatal confirmation

We report a case of fetus in fetu presented as a complex intra-abdominal heterogeneous cystic lesion during ultrasound examination of the fetus at 25 weeks of gestation. Progressive growth of this mass was noted in the prenatal period. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging provided additional information to aid in the prenatal diagnosis. This allows proper counselling for the parents and helps to plan the postnatal management. Surgical excision was carried out in the early neonatal period and the diagnosis of fetus in fetu was confirmed.

Pre and postnatal diagnosis of fetus-in-fetu

Differentiation of abdominal masses detected on prenatal ultrasound is difficult and requires careful characterization of the mass and precise localization. Differentiation is required in order to distinguish benign from potentially malignant conditions. We describe a case of fetus-in-fetu with pre- and postnatal imaging.

MRI reveals fetus in fetu in the mediastinum

Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition in which a fetiform calcified mass is contained within the newborn or infant, often in the retroperitoneal cavity. We report a case of a fetus in fetu in the posterior mediastinum of a newborn. The prospective diagnosis was made by fetal US and MRI and confirmed by postnatal plain radiograph, CT and MRI.

Mediastinal Fetus in fetu

Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare condition defined by the presence of both axial skeleton and organoid formations in the parasitic mass. Besides some authors assuming that fetus in fetu and highly-differentiated teratomas are part of the same pathogenic spectrum, it has been emphasized that these criteria indicate a rather different embryogenetic mechanism. We herein report the first case to our knowledge developed in the ventral mediastinum that was thought to be a tumor before birth. The literature is reviewed and we propose a new explanation for the development of this rare anomaly, based on a defective implantation.

Oropharyngeal fetus in fetu

Fetus in fetu is an extremely rare entity and refers to the growth of a "parasitic" twin within a more mature fetus due to its inclusion within cells of the blastocyst. The presence of a vertebral column is considered essential for the diagnosis of a fetus in fetu. The retroperitoneum is the most common location for a fetus in fetu and its location in the mouth is rare. We report a case of oropharyngeal mass detected on antenatal sonography with imaging features consistent with a fetus in fetu. Complete surgical removal of the mass was aided by imaging. Follow-up of these patients is recommended to detect the rare incidence of malignant degeneration.

Long-Term Follow-up of Untreated Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Diagnosis in a Twin of Full-Term Gestation

Teratoma is a common congenital germ cell neoplasm. Sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common type of teratoma and may be found incidentally during an obstetric ultrasound exam. Once discovered,serial exams are necessary to assess possible growth of the teratoma in relation to surrounding anatomy and to prepare for delivery management and postnatal surgery requirements.