title: Sirenomelia (Mermaid baby).
abstract: Sirenomelia is a rare anomaly that rarely occurs as an isolated lesion. Several theories have been proposed regarding the etiopathogenesis. In this communication, we report a case of sirenomelia. Our patient was referred to hospital at the age of four hours. On examination, fusion of both lower limbs with hook shaped appendage, attached distally, absent genitalia and absent anal orifice was found. Spine was deficient in sacral region. Upper torso looked normal. Baby also had frothing from mouth. Abdomen was non-distended. Feeding tube no.10 was tried to pass through mouth, which got obstructed at the level of upper esophagus that suggested oesophageal atresia. The skeletogram revealed absence of pelvic bones, sacral agenesis, absent fibulae and fracture of both femora. The patient died at the age of 12 hours.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi. jamjim88@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Jamshed
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Akhtar
authors.forename: Muhammad Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shaikh
authors.forename: Nasir
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saleem
authors.forename: Syed Raees
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Taqvi
authors.forename: Yaqoot
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jehan
authors.forename: Tayyaba
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Batool
authors.forename: Naima
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zameer
authors.forename: Farhat
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mirza
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000473:pathology*; D004480:Ectromelia / Q000473:pathology*; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000151:congenital / Q000473:pathology