Sirenomelia is a rare congenital disorder that was once thought to be a severe case of caudal regression but is now thought to be entirely separate. It is often referred to as the "mermaid syndrome" because it causes the lower limbs to atrophy to varying degrees, giving the impression of a mermaid's tail or fin. The syndrome is often viewed as fatal due to the accompanying visceral deformities. Our case was a live born, delivered at term by caesarean section, to a 30-year-old third gravida having twin pregnancy. Examination of the baby revealed caudal dysgenesis with fusion of lower limbs, non-identifiable external genitalia and anus. The infant survived for 11 hours after birth. We report this case due to their rarity and term live birth. While sirenomelia is uncommon, the absence of distinct lower limbs on ultrasonography in the presence of oligo or anhydramnios may prompt consideration of the diagnosis of sirenomelia.
Keywords: absent external genitalia; anal imperforation; caudal regression syndrome; mermaid syndrome; renal agenesis; sirenomelia.
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