Sirenomelia, also known as mermaid syndrome, is a rare congenital malformation characterized by the fusion of both lower limbs, resembling a mermaid's tail. Derived from the Greek words "siren," meaning mermaid, and "melia," indicating limbs, it refers to the atypical development of the lower extremities in affected individuals.
In sirenomelia, the legs are typically fused from the abdomen down to the toes, creating a single limb with a flattened appearance, reminiscent of a fish tail. This condition predominantly affects the bones, muscles, and blood vessels, leading to severe functional impairments. Additionally, individuals with sirenomelia may also present with abnormalities in the genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.
Although the exact cause of sirenomelia is not yet fully understood, it is believed to occur during embryonic development due to the abnormal formation and fusion of the lower limbs. Multiple factors, such as genetic, environmental, and vascular anomalies, have been proposed as potential contributors to its occurrence.
Sirenomelia is an exceedingly rare condition, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 60,000 to 100,000 live births. Due to the complex nature of this disorder, management often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical interventions, medical treatments, and supportive care. Despite advances in medical science, sirenomelia remains a challenging condition to address, and prognosis generally remains poor, with most cases resulting in stillbirth or neonatal death due to the severity of associated complications.
