TITLE:
Sirenomelie (Mermaid Syndrome): A Case Report and Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Faya Daniel Sewadouno, Christel Lalèyè, Simon Azonbakin, Morel Koutangni, Younoussa Kourouma, Fara Yangba Kamano, Tamba Elie Tolno
KEYWORDS:
Sirenomelia, Mermaid Syndrome, Congenital Malformation, Renal Agenesis, Prenatal Care Guinea
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pathology,
Vol.16 No.1,
November
18,
2025
ABSTRACT: Sirenomelia, or mermaid syndrome, is an extremely rare, lethal congenital malformation, occurring at a frequency of between 1.5 and 4.2 cases per 100,000 pregnancies. It is characterized by the partial or complete fusion of the lower limbs, along with malformations of the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood, with a multifactorial etiology involving genetic, teratogenic, and vascular factors. Depending on the associated malformations, death occurs in utero or within the first few days after birth. Prenatal diagnosis and imaging studies allow for reliable recognition and diagnosis. We report a case of sirenomelia diagnosed after birth, following a clinical examination of the newborn.