Foetus-in-fetu, a paediatric rarity in an infant at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Fetus in fetu is a paediatric rarity. It involves the presence of a mass resembling a fetus inside the body of a child or an  adult. It is described as a twin growing inside the body of the other. It can be located in different parts of the body but commonly the  retroperitoneum. It is usually benign.

Case presentation: The patient was a 4 month old male infant who presented to the hospital with  complaints of abdominal distention. The distention was noticed two months prior to presenting to our hospital. The distension was generalized and has been progressively increasing until presentation. There was no associated abdominal pain and no other abdominal  symptoms.

Conclusion: Treatment is by complete excision for histological examination.