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The earliest known case of a lithopaedion
1Department of Rheumatology, University of Lund, Sweden.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|January 1, 1996
Summary
The earliest known lithopaedion (stone-child) case, discovered in 1582, involved a 68-year-old woman who carried a calcified abdominal pregnancy for 28 years. This historical finding is compared to later instances and its specimen
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Pathology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- A lithopaedion, or stone-child, is a calcified, retained dead fetus from an abdominal pregnancy.
- This paper details the earliest documented case of a lithopaedion, discovered in 1582.
Discussion:
- The 1582 case involved a 68-year-old woman in Sens, France, who carried the lithopaedion for 28 years.
- The specimen's historical journey across Europe in the 17th century is traced, highlighting its significance and trade.
Key Insights:
- The lithopaedion of Sens represents the earliest known instance of this rare phenomenon.
- Comparison with later cases provides insights into the historical understanding and management of abdominal pregnancies.
Outlook:
- Understanding historical cases like the lithopaedion of Sens contributes to the broader knowledge of rare obstetric complications.
- Further research into the specimen's provenance could illuminate historical medical practices and specimen collection.