Sirenomelia

Sirenomelia is a rare and fatal congenital defect characterized by varying degrees of lower limb fusion, thoracolumbar spinal anomalies, sacrococcygeal agenesis, genitourinary, and anorectal atresia. We report a case of baby, born with narrow chest, bilateral hypoplastic thumb, fused lower limbs with a single foot and 5 toes, absent external genitalia, imperforate anus and umbilical cord with single umbilical artery. When diagnosed antenatally, termination should be offered

Sirenomelia with vertebral, anal, cardiac defect, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, limb abnormalities association: a case report

Sirenomelia is a rare congenital malformation, characterised by abnormal development of caudal part of body with variable degree of fusion of lower limbs. VACTERL is an acronym used for a group of sporadic non-random birth defects involving multiple organ systems, namely vertebral (V), anal (A), cardiac (C), tracheoesophageal (TE), renal (R) and limb (L) defects. Combination of both the anomalies is very rarely reported in literature. Survival is extremely rare and early prenatal diagnosis may allow for termination of pregnancy. Here we present a case of sirenomelia phenotype, with a complete spectrum of autopsy findings, suggestive of VACTERL association.

Sirenomelia associated with VACTERL and VACTERL-H syndrome / Sirenomelia asociaciada con síndrome de VACTERL y VACTERL-H

Sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome is an extremely rare congenital lethal malformation with a frequency between 1.5 and 4.2 per 1 000 000 pregnancies.The association of sirenomelia with the VACTERL association is very rare, with twenty cases reported in the literature and only two cases with VACTERL-H. We present two cases of sirenomelia, type I and type II associated with VACTERL-H and VACTERL syndromes and we review the literature. First time pregnancy women aged 15 and 40 years, without harmful habits and diseases, where between 25-27 gestational week (GW) the prenatal study identifies malformative fetus and the pregnancy is interrupted by medical evidence. The fetopathological examination in the first case identified sirenomelia type I associated with myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, anal imperforation, single umbilical artery, bilateral renal agenesis, ureteral and bladder agenesis, tracheo-esophageal fistule, agenesis of external genitals, monkey fold of the left palm of the hand - VACTERL-H. In the second case, where genetic testing is normal, sirenomelia type II associated with agenesis of external genitalia, anal imperforation, myelomeningocele, dolichocrania, macroglossia, low set ears, left preauricular skin tag, long philtrum, lung hypoplasia, split cadiac apex, single umbilicalis artery, blind end colon, hepatomegaly, accessory spleen, polycystic horseshoe kidney, uterine and vaginal agenesis, presence of two ovaries and duodenal stenosis - VACTERL association. This two cases, lead us to believe that sirenomelia and the VACTERL association are probably different manifestations of a pathogenetic process leading to disorders of blastogenesis at different levels during embryonic development.

La sirenomelia es una malformación congénita y excepcionalmente rara, con una frecuencia entre 1,5 y 4,2 en un millón de embarazos. La combinación de la sirenomelia con el síndrome de VACTERL es igualmente rara. La literatura especializada informa sobre la existencia de una veintena de casos solamente; en lo que respecta a su asociación con el síndrome de VACTERL-H se conocen solo dos casos. Luego de realizar una revisión de la literatura presentamos dos casos de sirenomelia asociada con los síndromes de VACTERL-H y de VACTERL En el estudio se analizaron los primeros embarazos de dos mujeres, edad de 15 y de 40 años, respectivamente, ambas mujeres completamente sanas y sin hábitos viciosos. Entre la vigésima quinta y la vigésima séptima semana gestacional (SG) del embarazo ambas mujeres, el análisis prenatal comprueba la existencia de malformación del feto debido a lo cual los embarazos fueron interrumpidos por prescripción médica. El análisis fetopatológico del primer caso comprueba la existencia de sirenomelia de tipo I asociada con mielomeningocele, hidrocefalia, atresia anal, arteria umbilical única, agenesia bilateral de los riñones y de los ureteres que transportan la orina desde los riñones hasta la vejiga, fístula traqueoesofágica, agenesia de los órganos genitales externos, línea simiesca en la palma de la mano izquierda - VACTERLH. En el segundo caso, en que el análisis genético ha resultado normal, se observó la presencia de sirenomelia de tipo II asociada con agenesia de los órganos genitales externos, atresia anal, mielomeningocele, dolicocrania, macroglosia, orejas bajas, filtrum alargado, hipoplasia pulmonar, ápice cardíaco escindido, arteria umbilical única, colon terminado en ciego, bazo accesorio, poliquistosis renal, riñón en herradura, agenesia vaginal y de útero, presencia de dos ovarios y estenosis duodenal - VACTERL asociación. Los dos casos investigados permiten llegar a la conclusión de que la sirenomelia y su combinación con el síndrome de VACTERL probablemente sean manifestaciones diferentes de un proceso patogenético que conlleva la alteración de la blastogénesis en distintos niveles durante el proceso del desarrollo embrionario.

Sirenomelia with Potter syndrome: a case report and review of literature

Sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by variable degree of fusion of lower extremities. Awareness to this rare condition is important for prenatal diagnosis and prognosticating the fetus. The exact etiopathogenesis is still an area of research. Two pathogenic hypotheses are the vascular steal hypothesis and the defective blastogenesis hypothesis with exceptions reported in literature.

Sirenomelia dipus en embarazo gemelar de madre adolescente. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Sirenomelia dipus in Twin Pregnancy in an Adolescent Mother. Case Report and Literature Review / Sirenomelia dipus em gestação gemelar de mãe adolescente. Relato de um caso e revisão da literatura

Resumen: La sirenomelia, también conocida como síndrome de la sirena, es una malformación congénita grave, generalmente incompatible con la vida, poco frecuente y de etiología aun no establecida, aunque se sospechan causas heterogéneas, específicamente, de origen vascular, pero que finalmente no han sido totalmente dilucidadas. Reporta una incidencia de 1 por cada 24 000-67 000 nacidos, caracterizada por la fusión de los miembros inferiores y asociada alteraciones en diferentes órganos y sistemas, entre las cuales las malformaciones renales son las más frecuentes. En el presente artículo reportamos el caso de un recién nacido, producto de embarazo gemelar con uno de los fetos que cursa con sirenomelia, sin diagnóstico prenatal, en un hospital de cuarto nivel, en Bogotá, Colombia.

Abstract: Sirenomelia, also known as siren syndrome, is a rare serious congenital malformation, generally incompatible with life, whose etiology has not yet been established. Although heterogeneous causes are suspected, specifically of vascular origin, they have not been fully elucidated. It reports an incidence of 1 per 24,000-67,000 newborns and is characterized by the fusion of the lower limbs and associated alterations in various organs and systems, among which kidney malformations are the most frequent. This article reports the case of a newborn, product of twin pregnancy, who has sirenomelia without a prenatal diagnosis at a fourth-level hospital in Bogotá, Colombia.

Resumo: A sirenomelia, também conhecida como a "síndrome da sereia", é uma malformação congénita grave, geralmente incompatível com a vida, pouco frequente e de etiologia ainda não estabelecida, embora haja supostas causas heterogéneas, em específico, de origem vascular, mas que, finalmente, não são totalmente esclarecidas. Relatam uma incidência de 1 para cada 24 000-67 000 nascidos, caracterizada pela fusão dos membros inferiores e associada a alterações em diferentes órgãos e sistemas, entre as quais as malformações renais são as mais frequentes. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso de um recém-nascido, produto de uma gestação gemelar com um dos fetos que cursa com sirenomelia, sem diagnóstico pré-natal, em um hospital quaternário de Bogotá, Colômbia.

Tale of a mermaid

Sirenomelia is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of a median single lower appendage. The affected fetus is popularly referred to as a “Mermaid baby,” due to the uncanny resemblance to the fictious fable character. The manifestation is a result of the merger of the lower limbs with variable fusion or complete absence of bones. Sirenomelia is universally fatal due to the associated lethal anomalies involving the internal organs, which are usually part of the VACTER or VACTERL complex. However, this sirenomelia-afflicted fetus is unique in being associated with VACTERL as well as congenital hydrocephalus.

Sirenomelia, the mermaid baby: a case report

Sirenomelia sequence or mermaid syndrome is a rare congenital structural anomaly characterized by different degrees of fusion of lower limbs, thoracolumbar spinal anomalies, sacrococcygeal agenesis, genitourinary and anorectal atresia. The incidence of sirenomelia is 0.8-1 cases/ 105 births with male to female ratio being 3:1. A malformations patient with 40 weeks of gestation admitted with complaints of decreased fetal movements for one week. An emergency C-section was done in view of term pregnancy with severe oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth restriction with poor bishop’s score. A 1.9 kg live baby with fused lower limbs was delivered. The new born baby had narrow chest, fused both lower limbs and feet with 11 toes, small rudimentary external genitalia, imperforate anus and single umbilical artery. The baby also had features of potter’s facies including low set large ears, receding chin and prominent infraorbital folds. Sirenomelia is a rare fatal congenital anomaly. Early detection by prenatal ultrasound will help in timely termination of pregnancy.

Sirenomelia, the Mermaid syndrome: a case report

Sirenomelia, also known as mermaid syndrome, is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a single lower extremity which is associated with abnormalities in other organ systems, commonly affecting the gastrointestinal and the urogenital systems. It is sporadic with no increased risk in subsequent pregnancies. In almost all the cases of sirenomelia, a single umbilical artery (SUA) is present which arises from the abdominal aorta. The exact etiology of sirenomelia is unknown. Sirenomelia can be confidently diagnosed in the 1st trimester while the diagnosis in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is difficult due to the lack of amniotic fluid in the later gestation. Antenatal diagnosis of this universally lethal condition is desirable so that possible termination of pregnancy can be offered at the earliest.

Femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome: a rare clinical entity

Femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome (FH-UFS) is a disorder with multisystem involvement comprising predominantly of craniofacial dysmorphism with bilateral hypoplastic femurs. The exact etiology of this disorder is unknown, however maternal infections, drug and radiation exposure, oligohydramnios has been implicated. In affected children born to non-diabetic mothers, a genetic contribution is suspected; however, no chromosomal or gene mutations have been identified so far. The syndrome closely resembles with caudal dysplasia or syringomyelia which occur due to insufficient mesoderm in the caudal part of the embryo leading to lumbosacral defects, renal agenesis, and dysplastic lower limbs, however they lack craniofacial dysmorphism. The pathogenesis of FH-UFS involves poor development of subtrochanteric portion of the femoral cartilage. This results in shortening of proximal femur. Maternal diabetes justifies the teratogenic effect of hyperglycemia and ketones on fetus leading to dysmorphic features in fetus. Here, we are reporting a female neonate with characteristic phenotypic features of FH-UFS. She had cleft lip and palate, low set ears, retrognathia and micrognathia, dolichocephaly with bilateral femoral hypoplasia with talipes deformity of both feet. Karyotype was normal (46XX). Renal and cranial ultrasounds were normal. The 2D Echo revealed small 0.3mm PDA.

Sirenomelia, revisión de la literatura y presentación de dos casos / Sirenomelia, revisão da literatura e apresentação de dois casos / Sirenomelia, review of the literature and presentation of two cases

Introducción: la sirenomelia data del siglo XVI, etapa en que los afectados se suponían "monstruos", y eran sacrificados u ocultadospor las familias. Incurre a escala mundial y en todas las razas. Es más frecuente en los varones, en embarazos gemelares monocigóticos y en hijos de madre menores de 20 o mayores de 40 años. Objetivo: socializar la experiencia del diagnóstico prenatal de la sirenomelia, a fin de sistematizar referentes teóricos que familiaricen a los médicos generales con las características clínicas, la etiopatogenia y el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad, multisistémica y letal. Método: se presentaron dos casos de sirenomelia diagnosticados por ecografía prenatal en el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" de Guantánamo durante los años 2014-2017. Resultados: se estableció el diagnóstico definitivo de sirenomelia tipo I y tipo II según la clasificación de Stocker y Heifetzy Simelia Dipus de acuerdo con los criterios de Foerster. Conclusiones: la actuación profesional debe dirigirse al diagnóstico prenatal, a fin de orientar la interrupción del embarazo pues no se disponen de intervenciones médicas para mejorar el pronóstico del feto o del recién nacido con sirenomelia(AU)

Introduction: the sirenomelia dates from the sixteenth century,stage in which those affected were supposed to be "monsters", and were sacrificed or hidden by families. It happens on a worldwide scale and in all races. It is more common in males, in monozygotic twin pregnancies and in children of mothers under 20 or over 40 years. Objective: to socialize the experience of prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia, in order to systematize theoretical references that familiarize general practitioners with the clinical characteristics, the etiopathogenesis and the diagnosis of this disease, multisystemic and lethal. Method: Two cases of sirenomelia diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound were presented at the "Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital" in Guantánamo during the years 2014-2017. Results: the definitive diagnosis of type I and type II sirenomelia was established according to the classification of Stocker and Heifetzy Simelia Dipus according to the Foerster criteria. Conclusions: the professional performance should be directed to the prenatal diagnosis, in order to guide the interruption of the pregnancy since medical interventions are not available to improve the prognosis of the fetus or the newborn with sirenomelia(AU)

Introdução: datas Sirenomelia desde a fase século XVI, onde afetadas "monstros" deveriam, e foram abatidos ou oculta pelo famílias. Acontece em escala mundial e em todas as raças. É mais comum em homens, em gêmeos monozigóticos mãe gestações gemelares e crianças com menos de 20 ou mais de 40 anos. Objetivo: socializar a experiência de diagnóstico pré-natal de sirenomelia, a fim de sistematizar quadro teórico que os clínicos gerais familiarizadas com os achados clínicos, patogênese e diagnóstico desta doença, multisystem e letal. Método: dois casos de sirenomelia diagnosticados por ultra-som pré-natal no Hospital Agostinho Neto Guantanamo durante os anos 2014-2017 foram apresentados. Resultados: o diagnóstico final de II Sirenomelia estabelecidos como classificado por Stocker e Heifetzy Simelia dipus de acordo com critérios Foerster tipo I e tipo. Conclusões: o desempenho deve ser direcionado para diagnóstico pré-natal, para orientar a interrupção da gravidez não estão disponíveis para intervenções médicas para melhorar o prognóstico do feto ou recémnascido com sirenomelia(AU)

Sirenomelia: A Detailed Fetal Autopsy Study.

Sirenomelia also known as mermaid syndrome, characterized by fused lower limbs, is a lethal and rare congenital abnormality. This is an extreme example of caudal regression syndrome caused by vascular steal of single umbilical artery. Sirenomelia is found approximately one in 100,000 live births and is usually fatal because of complications associated with pulmonary hypoplasia, abnormal development of the kidneys and urinary bladder. Most of the cases are associated with maternal diabetes and single umbilical artery. We report a case of sirenomelia terminated at 21weeks of gestation due to multiple congenital abnormalities. Antenatal scan of a25-year old primi revealed a single live fetus of 21 weeks gestation with severe olighydramnios, non-visualization of kidneys and bladder and lower part of the spine. This pregnancy was terminated and the specimen sent to the department of anatomy for fetal autopsy. On external examination,a tail like rudimentary single midline lower limb without foot was noted. There were no external genitalia and anal orifice. Internal examination revealed hypoplastic lungs, atrial septal and ventricular septal defects, aberrant right subclavian artery, hypoplastic abdominal aorta distal to the single umbilical artery, complete agenesis of urinary system, rectal agenesis and rudimentary indeterminate gonads. We would like to discuss the clinical features, etio- pathogenesis and review of literature of sirenomelia. Early diagnosis and termination of this lethal congenital anomaly results in minimizing the trauma related to the termination of pregnancy at advanced gestation.

Caudal regression syndrome (sirenomelia) and its pathogenesis correlation: a case report.

Congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormal development of caudal region of the body with different degrees of fusion of lower extremities, bears resemblance of Sirenomelia or mermaid of Greek Mythology. This type of deformity is also known as Symmelia, Symposia, Sympus, Uromelia and Monopodia. It is associated with the single umbilical artery. It is associated with severe malformations of urogenital i.e. renal agenesis and absence of both internal and external genitalia. The aim of this study is to present, a rare congenital malformation Sirenomelia. In this context, we report a case of Sirenomelia illustrating the prenatal sonographic and pathological features. In our study 25 years old primigravida gave birth to still born full term baby, sex could not be identified. The specimen was collected from private nursing home at Ongole, no relevant history of consanguineous marriage or tobacco smoking or drugs taking etc. Fetal USG, X-ray & CT were taken after birth. Fetal autopsy was done; the gonad, thymus and umbilical cord were sent to histopathological examination. The etiopathogenesis and characteristic features of Sirenomelia were discussed with the findings and review of the literature.

Simpus Apus Sirenomelia – A case report of a rare congenital anomaly.

Sirenomelia, also known as “mermaid syndrome”, is a rare congenital deformity of uncertain etiology. Sirenomelia is characterized by complete or partial fusion of lower limbs, giving the appearance of the tail of a ‘mermaid’. This syndrome is almost always lethal due to associated congenital visceral abnormalities such as severe lung hypoplasia, and abnormalities of the kidneys, large intestines, and genitalia. We hereby, report a case of sirenomeila due to rarity of this condition and term live birth.

Diagnóstico ecográfico prenatal de sirenomelia: a propósito de un caso / Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of Sirenomelia: about a case

RESUMEN La sirenomelia constituye una anomalía congénita rara. Su incidencia es de 1:60.000 nacidos vivos. Es causada por un defecto vascular disruptivo y caracterizado por la fusión de las extremidades inferiores, asociados a anomalías cardiacas, renales, de pared abdominal y torácica, vértebras inferiores, tubo digestivo inferiores, genitales y de las arterias umbilicales. Se presenta la experiencia de un caso de sirenomelia que se ha podido diagnosticar con la ecografia prenatal.

ABSTRACT Sirenomelia is a very rare congenic anomaly. Being its incidence of approximately 1:60.000 live born, caused by a vascular disruptive defect, characterized by the fusion of lower limbs, associated to cardiac, renal, abdominal wall, and thoracic anomalies; also characterized by inferior vertebrae, inferior digestive tract, genital and umbilical artery anomalies A case of sirenomelia has been diagnosed thanks to prenatal echography.

Prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia by two-dimensional and three-dimensional skeletal imaging ultrasound / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study sought to evaluate the contribution of two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and three-dimensional skeletal imaging ultrasound (3D-SUIS) in the prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia. Between September 2010 and April 2014, a prospective study was conducted in a single referral center using 3D-SUIS performed after 2D-US in 10 cases of sirenomelia. Diagnostic accuracy and detailed findings were compared with postnatal three-dimensional helical computed tomography (3D-HCT), radiological findings and autopsy. Pregnancy was terminated in all 10 sirenomelia cases, including 9 singletons and 1 conjoined twin pregnancy, for a total of 5 males and 5 females. These cases of sirenomelia were determined by autopsy and/or chromosomal examination. Initial 2D-US showed that there were 10 cases of oligohydramnios, bilateral renal agenesis, bladder agenesis, single umbilical artery, fusion of the lower limbs and spinal abnormalities; 8 cases of dipus or monopus; 2 cases of apus; and 8 cases of cardiac abnormalities. Subsequent 3D-SUIS showed that there were 9 cases of scoliosis, 10 cases of sacrococcygeal vertebra dysplasia, 3 cases of hemivertebra, 1 case of vertebral fusion, 3 cases of spina bifida, and 5 cases of rib abnormalities. 3D-SUIS identified significantly more skeletal abnormalities than did 2D-US, and its accuracy was 79.5% (70/88) compared with 3D-HCT and radiography. 3D-SUIS seems to be a useful complementary method to 2D-US and may improve the accuracy of identifying prenatal skeletal abnormalities related to sirenomelia.

Sirenomelia: Mermaid Syndrome.

A neonate with rare congenital anomalies was born at 25 weeks of gestation and died within 17 minutes of birth. On examination of the baby, it was found that the lower limbs were malrotated and fused all along the length with six toes. External genitalia, urogenital and anal orifices were absent. At autopsy, a single umbilical artery was found arising from the abdominal aorta. Both the kidneys were polycystic and were situated in the iliac fossae. Distal portion of the large gut beyond caecum was absent and rectum was atretic. No reproductive organ was found. On the basis of the findings, the case was diagnosed as sirenomelia (mermaid syndrome).

Sirenomelia - A case report.

Mermaid baby also known as sirenomelia is a rare and usually lethal congenital abnormality with multisystem involvement. Characteristic feature consists of varying degrees of lower limb fusion which in severe form results in single lower limb with non-discernible limb bones. We herein report a case of sirenomelia with variable malformation.

Sirenomelia, presentación de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Sirenomelia, a clinical case report and literature review

La sirenomelia constituye una anomalía congénita infrecuente, cuya característica principal es la fusión de las extremidades inferiores; la etiología es aún desconocida, sin embargo existen varias teorías planteadas para determinar el origen de esta entidad rara. Es de difícil diagnóstico prenatal, ya que por lo general se asocia a oligoamnios. Las malformaciones asociadas son muy variables, pero por lo general incompatibles con la vida, por lo tanto el pronóstico es sombrío. En el siguiente artículo se reporta un caso clínico de un recién nacido con sirenomelia, en el Hospital Obrero N°2 de la Caja Nacional de Salud, que debido a la asociación de agenesia renal bilateral, presenta un mal pronóstico y fallece a las ocho horas de vida.

The sirenomelia is a rare congenital anomaly, whose main characteristic is the fusion of the lower extremities, the etiology is still unk-nown, but there are several theories raised to determine the origin of this rare entity. Prenatal diagnosis is difficult, and usually is asso-ciated with oligohydramnios. Associated malformations are highly variable, but usually incompatible with life, so the prognosis is poor. The following article reports a case of a newborn with sirenomelia, Hospital Obrero N°2 de la Caja Nacional de Salud, that due to the association of bilateral renal agenesis, has a poor prognosis and died within eight hours of life.

Sirenomelia associada a defeitos congênitos raros: relato de três casos / Sirenomelia associated with rare congenital defects: report of three cases

Sirenomelia é um defeito congênito muito raro do campo primário do desenvolvimento, definido pela substituição dos membros inferiores, normalmente pareados por um único membro mediano. Geralmente, associa-se a graus variados de anomalias gênito-urinárias. Relatamos três casos necropsiados dessa entidade, incluindo estudo radiológico do membro inferior único, associados a agenesia renal bilateral, de ureteres e da bexiga, atresia retal, ânus imperfurado, testículos abdominais e ausência de genitália externa, além de outros defeitos congênitos infrequentemente observados, que somente puderam ter seus diagnósticos firmados por meio da necropsia.

Sirenomelia, an extremely rare congenital defect, is defined as a limb abnormality in which the normally paired lower limbs are replaced by a single midline limb. It is commonly associated with varied genitourinary anomalies. We report three cases of sirenomelia including x-ray documentation of the lower limb. Other associated aspects, whose diagnoses were established exclusively through autopsy, included bilateral renal, ureteral and bladder agenesis, rectal atresia, imperforate anus, intra-abdominal testis, absence of external genitalia and other rare congenital abnormalities.

Sirenomelia / Sirenomelia

La sirenomelia es una anomalía congénita extremadamente rara, se caracteriza por tener extremidades inferiores fusionadas o la presencia de un único y rudimentario miembro inferior. Se presenta un caso de sirenomelia, que se diagnosticó al nacer; con el objetivo de describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y ultrasonográficas de esta anomalía congénita, se plantea como posible causa un fenómeno vascular disruptivo. El oligoamnios severo durante el segundo trimestre del embarazo constituye uno de los signos ultrasonográficos de sospecha para sirenomelia

The sirenomelia is a very uncommon congenital anomaly characterized by fusion of lower extremities or the presence of an only and rudimentary lower limb. This is the case of sirenomelia diagnosed at birth to describe the clinical, epidemiological, ultrasonographic features of this congenital anomaly considering that the possible cause if a disruptive vascular phenomenon. The severe oligohydramnios during the second trimester of pregnancy is one of the suspected ultrasonographic signs for the sirenomelia