Fetus papyraceus: a rare case report

Abstract

Fetus papyraceus is a rare condition of a mummified and compressed fetus occurring in multiple gestations where one fetus dies in utero and is merged between the uterine wall and the membranes of living fetus. The blood vessels of the placenta of the two fetuses anastomose with each other, a third cycle occurs, causing fetal death (fetal transfer syndrome). Ultrasonography may identify the Fetus papyraceus, but is not always promising due to anatomical location. Cautious supervision is important during pregnancy for its positive outcome. We report a case of fetus papyraceus in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Fetus papyraceus: a rare case report

“…Intrauterine death of one of the twins may be due to twinto-twin transfusion syndrome, placental insufficiency, congenital anomalies, velamentous cord insertion, cord stricture. 7,8 The prognosis of the surviving fetus in a case of fetal demise of co twin depends on factors such as gestational period at the time of death, period between fetal demise and delivery of the surviving fetus, number of fetuses, chorionicity, and cause of death. The prognosis of the surviving twin is better in the dichorionic twin as compared to monochorionic twin.…”