A Case of Fetus in Fetu

Abstract

Although term "fetus in fetu" is well known, reports on this condition are scanty, and there have been only a score of authentic cases to date. One case of a 10-day old female was seen at this hospital with an abdominal tumor mass as the chief complaint. She was diagnosed as having this disease. Laparotomy revealed a tumor of the size of the head of a baby. It had a smooth surface and mobility and was covered with an amniotic tunica. The tumor was nourished by branches of the arteries and veins of the left kidney. When the tunica was cut open, about 300 ml of amniotic fluid were found. In the tumor there were parts which definitely looked like hands, feet, skin, fetal hair and nail. Histopathologically, tridermic tissues were all observed but the vertebra could not be confirmed. This case is a "probable" case according to the classification of Willis (1953) and Lord (1956).