Fetus Papyraceous in a Diamniotic Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy: A Case Report

Fetus papyraceus is a rare condition that describes a mummified fetus during multiple pregnancies. In this condition one fetus dies in early pregnancy, while the other fetus/es continue to live. The cause is unknown, but it does not seem to be a coincidental event. It is believed to be the result of abnormal growth and development in early pregnancy. This study describes a case of fetus papyraceus that was diagnosed during labor.
In ultrasound examination of a pregnant woman (19 weeks and 4 days gestational age) she was found to be pregnant with twins. It reported one live fetus and one dead fetus. Delivery was performed in natural course at 38 weeks and 4 days gestational age in which a boy was born alive and apparently healthy (Apgar scores 9 and weighing 3000 grams), while the other was a dead fetus that seemed mummy weighing 800 grams.
Fetus papyraceus is rare and its early diagnosis is of great benefit in preventing severe complications. Full investigation of the fetus and placenta will help to determine effective factors in formation of fetus papyraceus.