Double fetus-in-fetu: CT scan diagnosis in an adult

Abstract

A fetus-in-fetu (FIF) is an uncommon developmental abnormality characterized by a reasonably well-formed but aborted fetus that is seen in the form of an encapsulated, pedunculated vertebrate tumor in the patient′s abdomen. We report an interesting case of a double FIF in a 20-year-old man, who presented with acute abdominal pain and a lump. CT scan of the abdomen revealed two ill-formed fetuses-in-fetu, which were seen as a 15-cm complex, encapsulated mass in the lower retroperitoneum; there was also free fluid in the abdomen. The diagnosis of a ruptured twin FIF was made. Complete surgical excision of the lesion was performed and the diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. To the best of our knowledge, the CT scan findings of a ruptured double FIF in an adult have not been previously documented.

Keywords

• fetus-in-fetu
• computed tomography