Thu Feb 13 18:31:54 UTC 2025: **Rare ‘Foetus in Foetu’ Case Successfully Treated in India**
MUMBAI, INDIA – Doctors at Buldhana District Women’s Hospital in Maharashtra successfully treated a rare case of “foetus in foetu,” a condition where an underdeveloped twin develops inside its sibling. The condition, affecting approximately one in 500,000 births, was discovered during a routine sonogram of a 32-year-old pregnant woman in January 2025.
The pregnant woman delivered her baby via C-section, and surgeons successfully removed the parasitic twin during a subsequent operation. Both mother and baby are recovering well. While the exact cause remains unknown, it’s believed to stem from an uneven splitting of embryonic cells during the early development of identical twins. The parasitic twin, though possessing some foetal structures, lacked vital organs and depended entirely on its host twin for nourishment.
Dr. Deepa Hariharan, a senior neonatologist, highlights the challenges in diagnosing foetus in foetu, as its presentation can vary widely from asymptomatic cases to life-threatening complications depending on the location and size of the parasitic twin. The condition may not be detected for years, and its differentiation from other conditions like teratomas requires careful consideration. Surgical removal of the parasitic twin is the standard treatment. This case underscores the medical mysteries surrounding twinning and the ongoing need for research into early embryonic development.
First Piper 