"How Does a Parasitic Twin Form Inside a Newborns Abdomen?"
Rare Case of Fetus-in-Fetu Encountered in Xinzhou, China
The occurrence of fetus-in-fetu is exceptionally rare in life, with an incidence rate of one in 500,000. Nevertheless, Huang Ling, residing in Yangluo, Xinzhou, recently encountered this unusual condition. Let's delve into how fetus-in-fetu develops.
Fetus-in-Fetu Discovered in Newborn's Abdomen
Huang Ling, 32, resides in Yangluo, Xinzhou. Prior to her 25th week of pregnancy, her family eagerly anticipated the arrival of a new life. However, subsequent systematic ultrasound examinations shattered their tranquility. Huang Ling was informed that there was a cyst within the fetus she was carrying. By the 30th week of pregnancy, limbs and a torso began to grow within the mass, with bones clearly visible. After consultation with pediatric surgery experts at the Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital, the mass within the fetus was diagnosed as fetus-in-fetu.
On November 17, Huang Ling naturally delivered a 3,200-gram male infant at the hospital's obstetrics department. The infant appeared normal externally, but a CT scan revealed the presence of fetus-in-fetu between his left abdomen and kidney. Numerous crucial blood vessels in the infant intricately nourished the fetus-in-fetu, resembling a spider web.
On November 28, the 11-day-old infant underwent a "cesarean section"-like surgery. Apart from the risks associated with neonatal anesthesia, the most significant challenge during the operation was the intricate vascular supply surrounding the fetus-in-fetu. Located retroperitoneally, many vital arterial vessels were connected to normal childhood organs, and any damage could have resulted in incalculable consequences. After two and a half hours of meticulous surgery, Director Yang Xinghai successfully removed the fetus-in-fetu, which was the size of an adult's fist. The amniotic sac contained amniotic fluid, and while the head and heart were incompletely developed, the limbs, torso, and pelvis of the fetus-in-fetu were faintly visible.
What is Fetus-in-Fetu?
Fetus-in-fetu is a rare congenital disorder, also known as "fetus in fetu" in genetics, with an incidence rate of one in 500,000. It refers to one or more incomplete fetuses parasitically embedded within a part of a fully developed fetus.
Causes of Fetus-in-Fetu Formation
The formation of fetus-in-fetu primarily stems from twinning or multiple births. During the early embryonic stage, the fertilized egg evenly divides into two or more inner cell masses. If partial embryo implantation is unstable or if there is underdevelopment during development, the stronger or dominant embryo can absorb or encapsulate the others, ultimately leading to the formation of fetus-in-fetu.
Prevention of Fetus-in-Fetu
- Avoid teratogenic factors during pregnancy. Pregnant women should refrain from factors that can cause fetal malformations, such as misuse of medications and exposure to radiation sources.
- Beware of pets like pigs, cats, and dogs, which can carry Toxoplasma gondii. Pregnant women who come into contact with these pets may contract toxoplasmosis, a disease where the parasite prefers nerve cells and can parasitize the brain, invading the central nervous system. The detection rate of toxoplasmosis is significantly higher among psychiatric patients and mentally challenged children than in the general population, suggesting that toxoplasma may cause fetal developmental malformations.
- Undertake regular prenatal examinations. Pregnant women must promptly visit hospitals for corresponding prenatal examinations, including screenings for malformations.
- Avoid exposure to toxic and harmful substances in the environment, which can cause fetal developmental malformations. Formaldehyde, a known factor contributing to fetal malformations, is commonly found in decorations. Other substances such as radiation, pesticides, lead, mercury, and cadmium can also lead to fetal malformations, and pregnant women should avoid such environmental pollution.
- Avoid marrying close relatives, as this is a possible cause of fetus-in-fetu.
