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Updated: May 23, 2026
A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model
Published on: February 10, 2021
A gelatinous human tail with lipomyelocele: case report
Surasak Puvabanditsin1, Eugene Garrow, Sharada Gowda
1Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-RWJ Medical School, Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
Insights
A rare case of a human tail with a gelatinous tip in an infant was surgically removed. This condition, associated with spinal dysraphism, highlights the need for advanced imaging in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Human tails are rare congenital anomalies.
- They can be associated with underlying spinal dysraphism.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial.
Observation:
- A female infant presented with a tail appendage featuring a gelatinous tip.
- Associated findings included a lipomyelocele.
- Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed spina bifida and a continuous tract from the tail to the conus medullaris.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the tail appendage was performed.
- The case represents the first documented instance of a gelatinous-tip human tail.
- The findings underscore the link between external anomalies and spinal cord development.
Implications:
- Human tails warrant thorough investigation for spinal dysraphism.
- Advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT are essential for comprehensive evaluation.
- This case contributes to understanding rare congenital malformations and their management.
Abstract:
We report a female infant who presented with a tail appendage bearing a gelatinous tip and an associated lipomyelocele. Magnetic resonance images revealed the presence of spina bifida and a tract in continuity from the tail to the conus medullaris. The tail was surgically removed. A human tail may be associated with underlying spinal dysraphism. Magnetic resonance or computed tomographic imaging is required in such cases for complete evaluation. This is the first case report of gelatinous-tip human tail.
