Human tail and myelomeningocele

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neurology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Human tails are rare congenital anomalies, often linked to spinal dysraphism like spina bifida occulta.
• Caudal appendages can be external indicators of deeper neurological and spinal cord abnormalities.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing these conditions.

Observation:

• A male newborn presented with a caudal appendage (human tail) covering a myelomeningocele and tethered cord.
• The condition was surgically treated on the third day of life, involving excision of the tail and repair of the myelomeningocele.
• The patient experienced an uncomplicated recovery and showed no neurological sequelae during follow-up.

Findings:

• Surgical excision of the human tail and concurrent repair of the myelomeningocele resulted in a favorable outcome.
• The case represents a unique presentation of a human tail associated with myelomeningocele and tethered cord.
• No similar case reports detailing this specific combination of findings have been documented in the literature.

Implications:

• This case underscores that external anomalies like human tails can signify significant underlying spinal dysraphism.
• Prompt surgical management of caudal appendages and associated spinal defects is vital for preventing neurological impairment.
• Long-term neurological monitoring is essential for patients treated for spinal dysraphism to detect any delayed complications.