Human born with a tail: A case report

Abstract

Context. The dorsal cutaneous appendage, or so-called human tail, is often considered to be a cutaneous marker of underlying occult spinal dysraphism. Human tails have always elicited curiosity. A unique case of human dysraphism is described.

Case report. An interesting case of a child with a tail-like caudal appendage that had been present since birth is reported. Surgical excision of a pseudo-tail was done together with repair of a meningocele.

Conclusion. Before any form of treatment for a caudal appendage is undertaken, the patient must be evaluated carefully in case it coexists with a lesion of the intraspinal component.