Intrathoracic mass in a 5-month-old infant: fetus in fetu-a case report

• Main Authors: Abdel-Kémal Bori Bata (Author), Joseph Akodjènou (Author), Gilles Modeste Alain Bognon (Author), Simon Azandegbe Azonbakin (Author), Romulus Takin (Author), Jules Marouf Alao (Author), Antoine Seraphin Gbenou (Author), Armand Michel Fiogbe (Author), Delphin Kuassi Mehinto (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: SpringerOpen, 2022-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Background The fetu in fetu (FIF) is an extremely rare congenital condition characterized by a 2nd fetus that grows into the body of the healthy twin. Its thoracic location is more exceptional. Case presentation We report a case of intrathoracic mass in a 5-month-old female infant, diagnosed after an assessment for respiratory distress. She underwent an emergency left thoracotomy which allowed for the removal of a large thoraco-mediastinal mass inside a membranous sac containing a clear liquid mixed with vernix caseosa. The mass was completely covered with normal skin, three lobes similar to rudimentary outline of the head and limb. It was attached to a single large vascular pedicle. The pathological examination concluded that there was a high possibility of FIF. The postoperative follow-up was uncomplicated, and the child is still in good clinical condition after the 5-month follow-up. Conclusion The assessment of the respiratory distress in an infant with a mass centered by an axial skeleton on the chest x-ray and thoracic CT scan may suggest a diagnosis of intrathoracic FIF.

Item Description

10.1186/s43159-022-00167-2
2090-5394