A Case Report of Fetus Papyraceus in Singleton Pregnancy

Background and Clinical Significance: Fetus papyraceus is a term describing fetal findings associated with miscarriage, wherein the fetus is not expelled, remains in the uterine cavity, and is compressed by neighboring structures, with an inability for fetal resorption due to advanced pregnancy. Case Presentation: Herein, we present the case of a 33-year-old primigravida with two previous presentations to our institution due to emotional stress without evidence of physical abuse, the last one being at the 14th week of pregnancy. The latest presentation was with complaints of intermittent lower abdominal pain and an outpatient gynecology consultation describing fetal demise, with fetal parameters corresponding to demise in the 15th to 16th week of gestation. Pregnancy termination was performed with the specimen sent for pathology, revealing fragmented placental parts, which, on section, were firm, with greyish areas and notable calcification, fragments of an umbilical cord appeared normal, and a significantly compressed fetus, which was flattened in the anteroposterior aspect with significant compressive deformation of the limbs—fetus papyraceus characteristics. Histology of the placental fragments revealed fibrin thrombi in large blood vessels, intense fibrosis of the villi with focal fibrin extravasation, and focal necrosis and inflammation, as well as extensive calcium deposits. Conclusions: Fetus papyraceus is a rare complication of intrauterine demise and fetal compression, which can vary in its degree of presenting severity and requires the co-occurrence of specific conditions. The condition is rarely associated with singleton pregnancies.