title: Sirenomelia: a rare presentation.
abstract: We are presenting two cases of Sirenomelia (Mermaid Syndrome), which is an extreme example of the caudal regression syndrome. It invariably presents with lower limb fusion, sacral and pelvic bony anomalies, absent external genitalia, imperforate anus, and renal agenesis or dysgenesis. 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. One of our cases survived for 12 days after birth. This new born had an unusually high anorectal anomaly in which the colon was ending at the level of mid transverse colon, fused lower limbs and genital anomalies. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed horseshoe kidney. Colostomy was performed on day 2 of life. The second case encountered was a stillborn baby on whom an autopsy was performed.
authors.affiliation: Niloufer Hospital, Institute of Child Health, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, A.P, India.
authors.forename: K Ramesh
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.affiliation: Niloufer Hospital, Institute of Child Health, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, A.P, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srinivas
authors.affiliation: Niloufer Hospital, Institute of Child Health, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, A.P, India.
authors.forename: Shiva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Niloufer Hospital, Institute of Child Health, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, A.P, India.
authors.forename: Surweshwar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.affiliation: Niloufer Hospital, Institute of Child Health, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, A.P, India.
authors.forename: Hari
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.affiliation: Niloufer Hospital, Institute of Child Health, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, A.P, India.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Irfan
keywords: Caudal regression syndrome; Mermaid syndrome; Sirenomelia