A rare case report of Thoracic Bony Human Tail In A New Born Baby And a Review of Literature

Abstract

Abstract The dorsal cutaneous appendage or so-called human tail, is considered to be a cutaneous marker of underlying occult dysraphism. We are presenting an unusual case of spinal dysraphism with a bony human tail at mid thoracic region occurring in a new born baby with tethered cord (conus at L4). Physical examination was unremarkable except for a thoracic appendage and a dermal sinus over coccyx region. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of spine revealed bony outgrowth arising from D7 posterior element with multiple butterfly shaped vertebrae found at D2 D4 D8 D9 D10with low lying conus at L4-L5 level. Surgical excision of the tail and untethering the spinal cord along with excision of dermal sinus were performed. The infant had an uneventful postoperative period and was unchanged neurologically. To our knowledge, no similar case has been reported in English literature till date. The specific features of this rare case of human tail treated surgically are discussed in light of the available literature.