Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and conventional X-ray in 3 cases of symmelia.

BACKGROUND

Symmelia is a rare birth defect, often combined with severe malformations of the urogenital system and the lower gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, a deformed pelvis and various degrees of separation of the lower limbs are present.

CASES: We report the examination findings of 3 autopsy specimens of symmelia using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) with 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, and conventional X-ray.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI and CT with the addition of 3D visualization can be used additionally with autopsy and conventional X-ray images in the investigation of such complex anatomical abnormalities.