Prenatal diagnosis of a "living" oropharyngeal fetus in fetu: a case report

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2019 Nov 29;19(1):453. doi: 10.1186/s12884-019-2612-0.

Abstract

Backgroud: Fetus in fetu (FIF) is a rare malformation in which a parasitic twin within its more mature twin. Most of the FIF locate in the retroperitoneum and are acardiac and anencephalic.

Case presentation: Here, we describe a unique case of oropharyngeal fetus in fetu with a rudimentary two-chambered heart detected by prenatal ultrasonography. The parents terminated this pregnancy after counseling. Macroscopic examination found a solid mass between the oral and fetal chest, with a rudimentary two-chambered heart at the lowest part of the mass. Microscopic findings showed amniotic membrane, skin, cartilage, gastrointestinal and neural tissue.

Conclusions: Prenatal ultrasound can identify rudimentary organs suspecting FIF from early pregnancy. Detection of fetal heart beat facilitates differential diagnosis with teratomas, providing essential information for parental consulting and management.

Keywords: Fetus in fetu; Oropharyngeal; Prenatal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetus / abnormalities*
  • Fetus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Oropharynx / abnormalities*
  • Oropharynx / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal