A case report with sacral appendage: Is it accessory penis or human tail?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Congenital Anomalies
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Lumbo-sacro-coccygeal appendages are rare congenital anomalies.
• Distinguishing between a true evolutionary tail and a pseudotail (embryonic anomaly) is challenging.
• Histological composition differentiates true tails (adipose, connective tissue, muscle, nerves, skin) from pseudotails (vertebral anomalies, tumors, etc.).

Observation:

• A case report details an infant presenting with a sacral appendage resembling a penis.
• Clinical and pathological differential diagnoses were considered.
• Management strategies were discussed based on existing literature.

Findings:

• Sacral appendages, including accessory penises and human tails, are typically managed with simple surgical excision.
• Differential diagnoses for sacral appendages include vertebral anomalies, lipomas, teratomas, chondrodystrophies, and parasitic fetuses.
• The case highlights the importance of thorough evaluation for associated pathologies.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of sacral appendages is essential for appropriate management.
• Surgical excision is a standard treatment, but requires careful preoperative assessment.
• Crucially, patients must be evaluated for potential teratoma and spinal cord pathologies to ensure comprehensive care and prevent long-term complications.