Caudal appendage in infant: diagnostic approach of the true tail

Abstract

True human tails, a rare and perplexing congenital phenomenon, continue to intrigue medical practitioners due to their complex aetiology. A male term neonate presented to our paediatric surgery department with a true tail arising from the left lumbosacral region. The antenatal period was uneventful, and the neonate exhibited normal development and vital parameters. Clinical examination revealed a tail-like structure covered by normal skin, devoid of spontaneous movements or bony elements. Neurological assessments and ultrasound examinations showed no associated abnormalities. The patient’s family history included a sibling with hypospadias. This case adds to the limited literature on true tails and highlights the importance of thorough evaluation and management of such rare anomalies.