the terum :fetus in fetu" applies to an included diamniotic monochorionic twin or so-called (fetal inclusion", "suppressed twin", "double monster" which usually represents an parasitic twin included within the abdomen of its bearer as a result of
unequal division of the totipotential inner cell mass of the developing blastocyte.
The outstanding findings are enlarging abdomen and gastrointestinal distress by which occured compression of adjacent structures. Sepsis in, or avascular necrosis of, a feturs in fetu may cause rapid increase in size of the tumor, with pyrexia
and
possibly signs of peritoneal irritation. Diagnosis is made radiographically by the finding of a diminutive vertebral column or limb axis on a plain abdominal film. The treatment of choice is total excision with special attention being giben to
the
fetus' blood supply if which may be directly from the host's superior mesenteric vessels. Its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and differentiation from retroperitoneal teratoma have long been the subjects of considerable controversy.
A well-documented example of this unusual entity that occurred in a 5-month-old infant female is presented.
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