Understanding Lithopedion: The Rare 'Stone Baby' Phenomenon Explained - PRESS AI WORLD
PRESSAI
Science

Understanding Lithopedion: The Rare 'Stone Baby' Phenomenon Explained

share-iconThursday, January 02 comment-icon2 weeks ago 8 views
News sources:
indiatimesINDIATIMES
Understanding Lithopedion: The Rare 'Stone Baby' Phenomenon Explained

Credited from: INDIATIMES

  • A **stone baby**, or **lithopedion**, occurs when a fetus dies and calcifies inside the mother’s body, usually from an **untreated ectopic pregnancy**.
  • This calcification serves as a **defense mechanism**, protecting the mother from potential infections caused by dead fetal tissue.
  • There are **three types of lithopedion**, including **true lithopedion** where only the fetus calcifies, and varying degrees of calcification of the egg membrane.
  • Lithopedions are incredibly rare, with **historical cases documented** under 300 instances in 400 years.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging; symptoms may include **abdominal pain** and a noticeable bump, often revealed through **medical imaging** such as X-rays.

For more information, visit the original article at Times of India.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

nav-post-picture
nav-post-picture