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papyraceous fetus
Pathology:
- a fetus in a multi-gestation pregnancy which dies in utero & is then partially or completely reabsorbed by the twin
- occasionally, rather than being completely reabsorbed, the dead fetus will be compressed by its growing twin to a flattened state (fetus papyraceus)
Special laboratory:
- visible on ultrasound
Complications:
- if fetal death occurs in the 2nd or 3rd trimester
a) infection
b) hemorrhage
- a low-lying fetus papyraceus may block the cervix during labor & require a cesarean to deliver the living twin
General
multiple gestation (multiple pregnancy)
miscarriage
References
- Wikipedia: Vanishing twin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanishing_twin
- ICD9, ICD10