DECLARATIONS

Fetus-in-fetu (FIF) is a mass that is characterized by containing a vertebral axis often associated with other organs or limbs around this axis. It is rare and the preferred management is to complete resection of the mass whenever it is possible. Case report A two-year-old boy was admitted with a com-plaint of epigastric mass for eight days. Physical examination showed a 10 cm × 10 cm × 6.5 cm mass filling the upper left part of the abdominal cavity. Except for the presence of the mentioned mass, the remaining clinical and laboratory findings were within normal ranges. Magnetic resonance imaging (Figure 1) showed a mass (arrow) containing a vertebral axis. The pancreas and bowel loops were displaced by the mass. The left kidney was disfigured due to the pressure of themass (arrowhead). Pathological examination (Figure 2) confirmed the mass to be a fleshy structure resembling a fetus with vertebral axis (black arrow), limbs (black arrow head), placenta (white arrow head) and hair (white arrow). Postoperative period was uneventful. At the six month follow-up visit, the patient was well. Discussion Fetus-in-fetu (FIF) is a term coined by Meckel in 18th century and defined by Willis in 1953 as Figure 1 Magnetic resonance imaging showing a mass containing a vertebral axis Figure 2 Pathological examination of the mass showing a fetus with vertebral axis (black arrow), limbs (black arrow head), placenta (white arrow head) and hair (white arrow