Lithopedion as a factor in post-traumatic intestinal perforation

J Forensic Sci. 2022 Sep;67(5):2097-2100. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.15070. Epub 2022 May 30.

Abstract

Lithopedion is a rare condition secondary to retention and calcification of an unrecognized intra-abdominal (usually ectopic) pregnancy after a fetal death, which occurred after three months of gestation. It accounts for 1.5%-2% of cases of ectopic pregnancy. We report the case of a 72-year-old nulligravida woman who died about 72 h after being kicked in the abdomen during a fight. At autopsy, an intra-abdominal calcified fetus, acute generalized peritonitis, and ileal perforation were observed. The estimated gestational age of the fetus was 37 weeks (based on femur length) and the lithopedion had a weight of 750 g and a size of 15 × 12 × 9 cm. The age of menopause and the duration of retention are not known. This is the first case of this entity identified in Senegal.

Keywords: Dakar; Senegal; autopsy; blunt abdominal trauma; forensic pathology; lithopédion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autopsy
  • Calcinosis* / complications
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Intestinal Perforation* / complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Abdominal*