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)

Diagnostic procedures

• visible on ultrasound

Complications

• if fetal death occurs in the 2nd or 3rd trimester
  • infection
  • hemorrhage
• a low-lying fetus papyraceus may block the cervix during labor & require a cesarean to deliver the living twin

More general terms

• multiple gestation (multiple pregnancy)
• miscarriage