Fetus amorphous acardious: report of a rare case and differential diagnosis from placental teratoma with review of the literature

V. Tzelepi, V. Zolota*, E. Mavromati**

Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Greece 12 Agias Anastasias str., 26225, Patras, Greece
*Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Greece 10 Spirou Mpleri str., 30300, Nafpaktos, Greece
**Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, Greece 26500, Rion, Greece

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• Obstetrics

Abstract. – Fetus amorphous acardious is a rare fetal malformation, lacking a functional heart and bearing no resemblance to human embryos. The main differential diagnosis is with placental teratoma and is based on the degree of skeletal organization and umbilical cord formation. A 27-year old woman delivered a healthy newborn at 37 weeks’ gestation. An amorphous mass, covered with healthy looking skin, was connected to the placenta with a short pendicle. X-ray examination of the mass revealed the presence of vertebral column associated with ribs and pelvic bones. Histopathologic examination demonstrated the presence of spinal tube inside the vertebral column. Microscopy of the pedicle was consistent with umbilical cord. Various other tissues were also discovered, such as adipose tissue, gastric and large.

Corresponding Author: Vassiliki Tzelepi, MD; e-mail: vtzelepi@yahoo.com

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