Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Lithopedion: stone baby

C J Fagan, M H Schreiber, E G Amparo

    Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
    |June 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Lithopedion, a rare condition involving a calcified fetus, is difficult to diagnose clinically. Plain abdominal X-rays are the definitive diagnostic tool, readily identifying the calcified fetus and membranes.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related esophageal perforation in osteogenesis imperfecta.

    Endoscopy·2012
    Same author

    Birthright.

    The Pharos of Alpha Omega Alpha-Honor Medical Society. Alpha Omega Alpha·2000
    Same author

    Communicating with the referring physician: the standard of care.

    AJR. American journal of roentgenology·1997
    Same author

    Direct disclosure by radiologists of imaging findings to patients: a survey of radiologists and medical staff members.

    AJR. American journal of roentgenology·1996
    Same author

    Technical adequacy of fluoroscopic spot films of the gastrointestinal tract: comparison of residents and technologists.

    AJR. American journal of roentgenology·1996
    Same author

    Generally speaking.

    Radiology·1996
    Same journal

    The White Test: A New Dye Test for Intraoperative Detection of Bile Leakage During Major Liver Resection-Invited Critique.

    Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)·2017
    Same journal

    Use of Vascular Clamping in Hepatic Surgery: Lessons Learned From 1260 Liver Resections-Invited Critique.

    Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)·2017
    Same journal

    Randomized Clinical Trial of Small-Incision and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients With Symptomatic Cholecystolithiasis: Primary and Clinical Outcomes-Invited Critique.

    Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)·2017
    Same journal

    Liver Resection With a New Multiprobe Bipolar Radiofrequency Device-Invited Critique.

    Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)·2017
    Same journal

    Porcine and Bovine Surgical Products: Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu Perspectives-Invited Critique.

    Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)·2017
    Same journal

    Neuroendocrine Liver Metastasis: Transplant as Part of Multimodality Liver-Directed Therapy-Reply.

    Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)·2016
    See all related articles

    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive Medicine
    • Medical Imaging
    • Pathology

    Background:

    • Lithopedion is an extremely rare complication of pregnancy where a fetus, after dying in utero, becomes calcified over time.
    • Diagnosis is often incidental and occurs years after the initial pregnancy, presenting diagnostic challenges due to the absence of specific symptoms.

    Observation:

    • Two cases of lithopedion were reviewed, with detailed illustration of computerized tomographic (CT) findings in one case.
    • Clinical presentation lacks pathognomonic signs or symptoms, making early diagnosis difficult.

    Findings:

    • Plain abdominal radiography is the most reliable method for diagnosing lithopedion.
    • The presence of a calcified fetus and its investing membranes on plain film is an absolute diagnostic sign.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • While other imaging modalities like CT, ultrasound, and barium studies can visualize the condition, they are rarely necessary or add significant diagnostic value beyond plain radiography.

    • Implications:

    • Recognition of the classic radiographic signs is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis of lithopedion.
    • Understanding the diagnostic utility of various imaging techniques can prevent unnecessary investigations in suspected lithopedion cases.
    • This highlights the enduring value of conventional radiography in diagnosing rare pathological conditions.