Tale of a mermaid
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Date
2019-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Hydrocephalus, mermaid, sirenomelia
Citation
Vasisht P, Madakshira MG, Kakkar N, Singla V, Jain V. Tale of a mermaid. Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology. 2019 Dec; 62(4): 611-613