Sirenomelia apus: A rare deformity

Abstract

Sirenomelia also known as the mermaid syndrome, is a rare congenital malformation of uncertain etiology. It is characterized by fusion of the lower limbs and commonly associated with severe urogenital and gastrointestinal malformations. There are approximately 300 cases reported in the literature, 15% of which are associated with twinning, most often monozygotic. The syndrome of caudal regression is thought to be the result of injury to the caudal mesoderm early in gestation.

An unusual case of Sirenomelia Sympus Dipus (Mermaid Syndrome)

“…Another study has proposed the theory that oxidative metabolism from maternal diabetes may play a role as this can cause free oxygen radicals in the developing embryo leading to teratogenicity and mutation [1]. This baby had typical Potters sequence facies caused by pressure in utero due to the oligohydramnios.…”

“…Aetiology of sirenomelia remains unclear but it is known to be caused by an embryological injury that occurs between 28 and 32 days of development at the caudal mesoderm [1]. In a study by Stevenson et al [7].…”

“…Sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome is a rare and fatal congenital condition, which was first described by Rocheus in 1542 [1]. It affects 1 in 100,000 live births worldwide, with the male to female gender ratio being 3:1 [2].…”

“…It affects 1 in 100,000 live births worldwide, with the male to female gender ratio being 3:1 [2]. Its name originates from Greek mythology as Siren [1]. The fusion of the lower extremities characterizes the condition to form one single lower limb [3].…”

Sirenomelia type VI (sympus apus) in one of dizygotic twins at Chiang Mai University Hospital

“…In 1961, Duhamal defined sirenomelia as the most severe form of caudal regression syndrome (CRS) 1. Sirenomelia is a very rare congenital malformation with an incidence of 0.98–4.2 per 100 000 live births 2–4.…”