Are fetus‐in‐fetu highly differentiated teratomas? Practical implications

Satgé, Daniel; Jaubert, Françis; Sasco, Annie J.; Vekemans, Michel

doi:10.1046/j.1442-200x.2003.01732.x

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…The possible association between FIF and highly differentiated teratoma is still controversial. Some investigators hypothesized that FIF represents a well-differentiated and highly organized teratoma [20]. In other words, FIF and teratoma may share a causal/pathogenetic mechanism.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fetus in fetu: two case reports and literature review

Chen

Zou

et al. 2014

BMC Pediatr

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BackgroundFetus in fetu is a rare congenital anomaly and is defined as a monozygotic twin incorporated into the abdomen of its sibling during development. Fetus in fetu is often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass. Unlike teratomas, fetus in fetu is a benign disorder.Case presentationWe describe the clinical characteristics of two patients, a thirty-months old boy who was found to have abdominal distension and a neonate who was diagnosed antenatally with abdominal mass. Computed tomography scan revealed the mass in which the contents favor a fetus in fetu rather than a teratoma. Surgical removal revealed that the anencephalic fetus have limb buds situated relative to a palpable vertebral column, supporting the diagnosis of fetus in fetu. In the present report, presentation, diagnosis, pathology, management, and recent literature are also reviewed.ConclusionFetus in fetu is a rare entity that typically presents in infancy and early childhood. It should be differentiated from a teratoma because of the teratoma’s malignant potential. Preoperative diagnosis is based on radiologic findings. The treatment of fetus in fetu is operative to relieve obstruction, prevent further compression and possible complications. Complete excision allows confirmation of the diagnosis and lowers the risk of recurrence.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fetus in fetu: two case reports and literature review

Chen

Zou

et al. 2014

BMC Pediatr

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“…Some investigators have hypothesized that a FIF represents a well-differentiated and highly organized teratoma. 22 In other words, FIFs and teratomas may share an underlying pathogenetic mechanism. Proponents of the teratoma theory argue that FIFs may lack a spinal column and that teratomas may be highly differentiated and organogenic.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, because some FIFs lack a spinal column, some investigators have suggested that FIFs area type of highly differentiated teratoma. 22 Making the diagnosis may be difficult in these cases because of the similarities in the entities’ clinical and radiological features, as well as in their appearances on histological examination. The most common sites are the sacrococcyx, anterior mediastinum, testicles, ovaries, and retroperitoneum, which are also sites at which a FIF may be observed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fetus in Fetu in the Scrotal Sac

Song

Chen

et al. 2015

Medicine

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Fetus in fetu (FIF) is a rare congenital anomaly. The most common site at which FIF occurs is the retroperitoneum. The mechanisms underlying the development of FIF have not been fully elucidated. The monozygotic twin theory postulates that FIF results from the unequal division of the totipotent cells of the blastocyst. However, the monozygotic twin theory does not explain all cases of FIF.Herein, we describe the clinical characteristics of a 20-day-old infant with scrotal sac swelling. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed the presence of a mass consistent with a FIF rather than a teratoma. Surgical removal and a subsequent pathological evaluation demonstrated that the anencephalic fetus exhibited limb buds adjacent to a palpable vertebral column, supporting the diagnosis of FIF. The infant had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. In the present report, the pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, and management of FIF, as well as new concepts emerging in this area of research, are discussed.Although the majority of cases of FIF may be diagnosed preoperatively, FIF should be distinguished from teratoma because the latter has substantial malignant potential. The recommended treatment for FIF is complete resection. To confirm the diagnosis of FIF, pathological examination, karyotyping, serologic marker assessment, and DNA restriction site mapping should be performed after removing the mass. Although FIF is thought to be a benign disorder, follow-up is necessary as a precaution against malignant recurrence, which has been described once.

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“…The increased incidence of RP teratomas in infants with DS may be due to the pathologic association between RP teratomas and fetus‐in‐fetu (FIF) . FIF, regarded as a malformed parasitic monozygotic diamniotic twin found inside the body of a living child or adult, is distinguished from teratoma by the presence of a spinal axis .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…FIF, regarded as a malformed parasitic monozygotic diamniotic twin found inside the body of a living child or adult, is distinguished from teratoma by the presence of a spinal axis . However, whether FIF is a malformation or a tumor (i.e., a highly differentiated teratoma) is uncertain . The most frequent site of FIF is the RP area .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increased incidence of retroperitoneal teratomas and decreased incidence of sacrococcygeal teratomas in infants with Down syndrome

Kobayashi

Sakemi

Yamashita

2013

Pediatr Blood Cancer

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Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a unique profile of neoplasms, with a higher incidence of leukemias and a lower incidence of solid tumors than seen in the general population. We recently encountered two cases of infants with DS with retroperitoneal teratoma. After reviewing the literature on teratomas in DS, we found that the incidence of retroperitoneal teratomas was higher and the incidence of sacrococcygeal teratomas was lower in infants with DS than in the general population.

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Are fetus‐in‐fetu highly differentiated teratomas? Practical implications

Cited by 7 publications

References 13 publications

Fetus in fetu: two case reports and literature review

Fetus in fetu: two case reports and literature review

Fetus in Fetu in the Scrotal Sac

Increased incidence of retroperitoneal teratomas and decreased incidence of sacrococcygeal teratomas in infants with Down syndrome

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