Fetus in fetu: A rare case of intra-abdominal mass

Abstract

Fetus in fetu is uncommon cause of retroperitoneal mass in infancy that resulted from abnormal embryogenesis. Clinical manifestations vary and mostly presented at infancy It is differentiated from teratoma through its location, benign course, and identification of limb buds and well-organized organs. Radiologically, identification of long bones and organized vertebral bodies are core in the diagnosis. Presented is 4 days-old male with abdominal distention as the main manifestation. Definite radiological diagnosis was done by Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography scan.

Keywords: Abdominal mass; Fetus in fetu; Teratoma.

Fig. 1

U/S: Shows a well-defined complex abdominal mass lesion with cystic and bony (Blue arrow) elements. (Color version of figure is available online.)

Fig. 2

U/S shows a well-defined complex abdominal mass lesion with cystic elements.

Fig. 3

Axial plain CT showing an intra-abdominal mass lesion displacing the bowel loops and shows remnants of bone tissue (Blue arrows). (Color version of figure is available online.)

Fig. 4

Coronal plain CT showing an intra-abdominal mass lesion (White arrow) displacing the bowel loops and shows remnants of bone tissue (Blue arrows). (Color version of figure is available online.)

Fig. 5

Axial CT with IV contrast showing a heterogenous intra-abdominal mass lesion displacing the bowel loops and shows remnants of bone tissue.

Fig. 6

3D reconstruction of Fetus in Fetu showing long bones (Blue arrows) and dysmorphic vertebrae (White arrows). (Color version of figure is available online.)

Fig. 7

Excision of the mass through abdominal exploration under general anesthesia showing limb buds (Blue arrows) and the cystic components (White arrow).