Rare ‘Fetus in Fetu’ Case Detected in Maharashtra’s Buldhana District
In an extremely rare medical occurrence, a 32-year-old pregnant woman in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district has been diagnosed with “fetus in fetu,” a rare congenital anomaly in which a malformed fetus is found within the body of another fetus. The condition, considered one of the rarest in medical science, was identified during a routine check-up at the Buldhana District Women’s Hospital, an official said.
The woman, who is 35 weeks pregnant, had visited the hospital for a routine antenatal examination when the anomaly was detected. Dr. Prasad Agarwal, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital, described the case as extraordinarily uncommon. He explained that “fetus in fetu” is a rare phenomenon, occurring in approximately one in five lakh cases worldwide.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dr. Agarwal stated, “This is one of the rarest congenital anomalies ever reported. Only about 200 such cases have been documented globally to date, and most of them were detected only after delivery. In India, only 10 to 15 such cases have been recorded so far.”
The doctor detailed his observations, saying, “During the ultrasound examination, I noticed something unusual. The fetus, which is almost 35 weeks old and otherwise growing normally, had a few bones and a fetus-like structure present in its abdomen. This was highly unusual and immediately struck me as a potential case of ‘fetus in fetu.'”
Recognizing the rarity of the condition, Dr. Agarwal sought confirmation from radiologist Dr. Shruti Thorat. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Thorat confirmed the diagnosis, affirming that the case was indeed a “fetus in fetu.”
Dr. Agarwal expressed gratitude for his vigilance, stating, “It is extremely rare to detect such a condition before delivery. Most cases are identified postnatally. I consider myself fortunate to have spotted this anomaly during the prenatal stage, which will allow us to take the necessary steps for the safety of both the mother and the baby.”
Following the diagnosis, the woman was referred to a medical facility in neighboring Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for safe delivery and further specialized care. The hospital authorities assured that both the woman and her baby are being monitored closely and that all precautions are being taken to ensure a safe outcome.
This rare case has garnered attention from the medical community, with experts highlighting the importance of early detection in managing such anomalies. The occurrence of “fetus in fetu” remains a medical enigma, and its detection during pregnancy adds a significant milestone to the field of obstetrics and prenatal care.