Abstract
Sirenomelia is a rare congenital malformative disorder characterized by fusion of the lower limbs giving a characteristic mermaid-like appearance to the affected foetus. We report a case of sirenomelia occurring in a 19 year old Cameroonian woman following premature rupture of membranes and associated cord prolapse. This is the first documented case in this country. We highlight some of the cultural myths associated with this disorder and discuss our findings relative to the present literature and related controversies on its etiopathogenesis.
Highlights
Sirenomelia is an extremely rare congenital malformative disorder, which is often fatal[1]
We report here the first documented case of sirenomelia in Cameroon, and discuss our findings in relation to the present literature and related controversies of its etiopathogenesis
It is worth noting that Lynch et al.[24] recognised an autosomal form of caudal dysgenesis, no chromosomal abnormalities are found in sirenomelia and it does not recur in families[14]
Summary
Sirenomelia is an extremely rare congenital malformative disorder, which is often fatal[1]. Case report Miss N.N, 19 years old G2P0010, a single student at 38 weeks gestation according to her last menstrual period was referred to the Yaoundé Central Maternity for the management of cord prolapse at term. Her history revealed premature rupture of membranes 04 days prior to her consultation, with continuous per vaginal flow of clear liquor. It is worth noting that Lynch et al.[24] recognised an autosomal form of caudal dysgenesis, no chromosomal abnormalities are found in sirenomelia and it does not recur in families[14] This was a reassuring feature for our patient and should serve as a counseling feature for mothers bearing babies with this distressing anomaly. She received adequate post-partum counselling and was discharged on that day
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