Sirenomelia: a review of embryogenic theories and discussion of the differences from caudal regression syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To discuss the pathological features of sirenomelia in the light of our 10 cases and review the current theories.

METHODS:

We identified 10 patients with sirenomelia from our hospital database. All clinical details and the autopsy features of 10 cases were noted.

RESULTS:

Of the 10 children with sirenomelia seven had bilateral renal agenesis, three had bladder agenesis and one had a renal hypoplasia. Single umbilical artery was found in 60% of children with sirenomelia. External genitalia was ambiguous in seven of 10 patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Even though the etiology of caudal regression syndrome (CRS) and sirenomelia remains unknown we tend to believe that sirenomelia and CRS might be different entities.

• Authors: Ecmel Isik Kaygusuz, Meryem Kurek Eken, Oya Nermin Sivrikoz, Handan Cetiner
• Journal: The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians (J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med) Vol. 29 Issue 6 Pg. 949-53 (Mar 2016) ISSN: 1476-4954 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25845272 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Ectromelia (embryology)
• Humans
• Retrospective Studies