Fetus in Fetu: A Rare Congenital Anomaly Diagnosed Postnatally by Ultrasonography and MRI

Cureus. 2023 Jul 8;15(7):e41550. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41550. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Fetus in fetu (FIF) is a rare congenital anomaly with two controversial theories regarding its embryogenesis. Although it is an extremely rare condition, it should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis while evaluating children with abdominal calcification. Radiological findings on postnatal days 2 and 5 of a neonate with an antenatal scan showing an abdominal mass in the fetus are described here. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the mass in which the contents favored a diagnosis of the FIF. Characteristic features of FIF on MRI have been less explored and knowledge regarding the same will be of immense help to the radiologist. Complete surgical excision followed by histopathology confirmed the diagnosis.

Keywords: abdominal ultrasonography; fetus-in-fetu; mri - magnetic resonance imaging; pediatric teratoma; preoperative diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports