Brazilian Woman, 81, Dies After Surgery To Remove Dead Foetus She Carried For 56 Years

An 81-year-old Brazilian woman, Daniela Vera, passed away following surgery to extract a calcified foetus that she unknowingly carried for 56 years, as reported by Metro.

Vera, who experienced persistent abdominal pain since her teens, had not realized she had an ectopic pregnancy. Only after recent unwellness led to a 3D scan, the condition, known as lithopedion (stone baby), was discovered.

Despite having borne seven children, this rare condition remained undetected. Tragically, post-surgery, Vera succumbed to an infection on March 15 in the ICU.

Dr. Patrick Dezir of Ponta Pora Hospital highlighted the typical placement of pregnancy in the uterus and remarked that such cases could go unnoticed if the patient doesn't present severe symptoms.

Vera's daughter, Rosely Almedia, indicated that cultural factors and her mother's fear of medical equipment could have contributed to avoiding earlier medical consultation.

It is worth noting, ectopic pregnancies occur outside the womb and the affected foetus often doesn't cause severe pain or bleeding, making it difficult to detect without imaging tests.