Litochelliphopedion

Lithokelyphopedion (from the ancient Greek λίθος - stone and κήλυφος - shell, shell + παιδίον - child) is a rare pathological condition in which the fetus, after intrauterine death, remains in the mother’s body for a long period and undergoes calcification.

This phenomenon was first described in 1582 by the Italian physician Antonio Stenone. He discovered a stone formation the size of a chicken egg in the abdominal cavity of a 70-year-old woman, which, as it turned out, was a petrified fetus.

The causes of lithokelyphopedion are not completely clear. It is assumed that due to various complications (anomalies of fetal development, infection, trauma, etc.), intrauterine death of the embryo or fetus occurs in late pregnancy. The mother's body is unable to get rid of the dead fetus, and it remains in the uterus or abdominal cavity. Over time, it undergoes calcification and turns into a “stone fruit”.

This condition is extremely rare, mainly in women over 40 years of age. Lithokelyphopedion is often detected accidentally during examination for other reasons. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the calcified fetus. The prognosis is generally favorable.

Lithokelyphopedic complex is one of the types of physical activity in fitness, which offers a combination of body training and work with consciousness. It is aimed at improving the physical condition of the body, strengthening the muscle corset, reducing back and neck pain, as well as developing flexibility and balance.

History of L terminology