Urogenital Imaging

Fetus papyraceous

a fetus which has died in utero, with subsequent atrophy and mummification. This process is unusual, since fetal demise usually results in spontaneous abortion, stillbirth or complete resorption in early pregnancy. It most commonly occurs in twin pregnancy, after the demise of one co-twin. Ultrasound demonstrates a small but recognizable nonviable fetus. A normal living co-twin usually co-exists.

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