Stone Babies: A Pictorial Essay With Insights From 25 Museal Lithopaedions

Abstract

Background

Lithopaedion, or “stone baby,” represents an exceptionally rare clinical phenomenon with fewer than 350 documented cases existing in the medical literature. This condition arises when an advanced extrauterine pregnancy ceases its developmental trajectory and undergoes a lithification process, potentially resulting in a calcified mass with fetal-like morphology. Typically, lithopaedions remain asymptomatic for decades, but may occasionally elicit acute symptoms necessitating medical intervention. However, predominantly, these entities are incidental findings discovered during radiological examinations or autopsies.

Results

In this article, we present a comprehensive overview of 25 lithopaedion cases, including unreported cases from several European medical museums. When feasible, additional radiological imaging was conducted to enhance diagnostic clarity. Furthermore, this article situates lithopaedions within a broader historical perspective and a detailed etiopathogenetic framework, elucidating the physiological and pathological mechanisms contributing to their formation. The phenomenon of lithopaedion is a testimony to the complex and often enigmatic nature of the human body.

Conclusions

By compiling and scrutinizing a substantial number of cases, this review offers valuable insights into the clinical implications of lithopaedions. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity for ongoing research and meticulous documentation of rare medical conditions like this, in order to contribute to a deeper understanding of extraordinary phenomena.