Ectopic fingerlike structure in the thoracic region - Case report

The authors present a case of a rare cutaneous lesion resembling a human fi nger that protruded from the posterior thoracic region of a 7-month-old gir l who was examined after the fingerlike protrusion was noted at birth, The protrusion measured 3 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter. It was located at the level of T-12 and was surrounded by angiomatous and lipomatous tissue. A computerized tomography scan demonstrated three bones in the protrusion, including deformities of the T-9 and T-10 and T-11 dysraphism. Magnetic res onance imaging revealed a hyperintense signal on the T-1-weighted sequence and a hypointense signal on the T-2-weighted sequence, which was visualized at the attachment to the spinal cord from T9-11. After removal of the fing erlike structure and subcutaneous mass, a T10-11 laminectomy and removal of the intradural mass were performed. Histological examination showed that t he appendage was composed of nail, three bones, cartilage, and normal skin. This appendage can be recognized not only as a variant type of caudal appe ndage but as an ectopic finger and fingernail. The authors discuss the deve lopmental differences among the protrusion in the present case and ordinary caudal appendages.