{"id":"aec04c13-c608-47ee-b50a-8821cc6ccc77","slug":"vestigial-human-tail-and-occult-spinal-dysraphism-a-case-report","title":"Vestigial human tail and occult spinal dysraphism: A case report","authors":["Walter Fagundes","Isabella Rabelo Faria","Rodrigo Martins Pereira","Stefano Aliprandi Sacht","Izabela Orlandi Môro","Rabbia Jabbar"],"abstract":"Background: The presence of a human tail is a rare condition resulting from an embryonic remnant that fits the definition of a caudal appendage. It may be a vestigial (true) or a pseudotail. Both may be considered markers of underlying intraspinal abnormalities. Case Description: The present case documents a 5-year-old girl with a caudal appendage in the lumbar region, with a previously normal neurological examination. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the presence of occult spinal dysraphism associated with a cutaneous appendage with lipomatous content. We performed microsurgical treatment to excise the lesion and explore the occult spinal dysraphism. A histopathological examination revealed mature adipose tissue with blood vessels and nerve fibers and no bone or cartilage tissue. Conclusion: The presence of a tail-like appendage in the lumbosacral region must alert to the possibility of underlying occult spinal dysraphism. Preoperative assessment must include a complete neurological examination and a detailed MRI evaluation.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/aec04c13-c608-47ee-b50a-8821cc6ccc77/featured/hero-1781559012027.png","publishDate":"2024-12-06T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_702_2024","categories":["Pediatric Neurosurgery","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13269/SNI-15-452.pdf"}