LITHOPEDION BABY-STONE BABY
This photo shows a calcified maternal fetus that had retained in the maternal peritoneal cavity for 30 years. Lithopedion, also known as a "stone baby," is an extremely rare medical condition that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus and develops into a fetus. However, instead of continuing its growth within the uterus, the fetus dies and is not expelled from the mother's body. In response, the body calcifies the fetal remains to protect the mother from infection. This calcified mass, resembling a stone, is referred to as a lithopedion. Lithopedion occurs when the fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix instead of the uterus. This condition typically happens due to a failed tubal pregnancy, where the fetus cannot survive or grow in the abnormal location. The mother may not be aware of the presence of a lithopedion since the body often does not exhibit any symptoms or signs of pregnancy. Since lithopedion is a rare occurrence, estimates of its frequency are uncertain. The condition is usually discovered incidentally during medical imaging for other reasons, such as abdominal X-rays or ultrasounds performed for unrelated medical conditions. Treatment for lithopedion involves surgical removal, as leaving the calcified mass in the body can lead to complications such as infection or pressure on surrounding organs. However, in many cases, the presence of a lithopedion is harmless and may remain undetected for a person's entire life. It's important to note that while lithopedion is a legitimate medical condition, it is extremely rare, and most pregnancies progress normally without any complications.
