Sirenomelia is a rare, genetic, developmental defect during embryogenesis disorder characterized by fusion of the lower limbs and associated with some degree of lower extremity reduction and persistent vitelline artery. Patients also present severe malformations of the musculoskeletal system (e.g. sacral agenesis), as well as the urogenital and lower gastrointestinal tracts (e.g. renal agenesis, absent bladder, rectal/anal atresia, and absent internal genitalia). Most cases are stillborn, or die during, or shortly after, birth.
Banerjee A, Faridi MM, Banerjee TK, Mandal RN, Aggarwal A. Indian J Pediatr. 2003;70(7):589-91.
Sirenomelia should be suspected in antenatal period in cases presenting with severe oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth retardation for a early diagnosis and appropriate management of pregnancy.
