Sirenomelia: A case report

Abstract

Sirenomelia also known as mermaid syndrome is a partial or complete fusion of lower extremities associated with visceral anomalies. It is a rare anomaly with a poor prognosis. Maternal age less than 20 years, maternal diabetes mellitus, and monozygotic twinning are some of the known risk factors. Diagnosis can be made via antenatal ultrasound or typical physical appearance after birth. A 2200 g baby was born from 18-year-old non-consanguineous mother via assisted breech delivery. The baby had fused lower limbs with 10 toes, absent external genitalia, and a single umbilical artery. It was small for gestational age. The baby was passed away after 30 min of birth. Young maternal age (18 years) was the identified risk factor for sirenomelia in this case. We recommend an early routine ultrasound anomaly scan in all pregnant women particularly for early detection and termination of pregnancy as the prognosis is poor. Avoiding teenager pregnancy and strict control of blood sugar in diabetic mothers can decrease this anomaly.