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Fetus in fetu in a neonate: report of a case

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Abstract

Fetus in fetu (FIF) is a rare condition in which a malformed fetus resides in the body of its host. The presence of a well-formed vertebral column secures the diagnosis of FIF and differentiates this entity from a teratoma. Although more than 100 cases of FIF have been reported in the literature, the presence of a well-formed vertebral column is not documented in many cases. We herein report the case of a 19-day-old female who presented with a lump in the abdomen. Plain radiograph of the abdomen showed the presence of a well-formed vertebral column with long bones, and the results were confirmed with ultrasonogram and CT scans. Therefore, a preoperative diagnosis of FIF was made, and the mass was successfully excised. Upon opening the sac of the mass, a malformed anencephalic fetus was found.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no financial relationships with any organization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, 786002, Assam, India

    H. K. Dutta & J. K. Thomas

  2. Aditya Diagnostics & Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India

    N. K. Sahewala

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, Assam, India

    D. K. Patgiri

Authors
  1. H. K. Dutta
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  2. J. K. Thomas
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  3. N. K. Sahewala
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  4. D. K. Patgiri
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Correspondence to H. K. Dutta.

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Dutta, H.K., Thomas, J.K., Sahewala, N.K. et al. Fetus in fetu in a neonate: report of a case. Surg Today 43, 547–549 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-012-0242-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-012-0242-5

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