Sacral Lipomyelocele Presenting as a Human Tail

Abstract

Spinal anomalies are commonly encountered in radiology practice. Spinal dysraphism is defined as a defect in the development and closure of the germ layers of the developing spine. It can manifest as a soft tissue mass in the spinal region or may remain occult without any visual mass. Sacral spina bifida usually presents as a globular soft tissue mass over the back. Its presentation as a tail like projection is rare and infrequently reported. Because of its rarity, such a case may be regarded as an anatomical variant resulting in neurological consequences in later life. The objective of this article is to sensitize the clinicians to the rare manifestation of sacral lipomyelocele as human tail.