Sirenomelia or "mermaid syndrome" is a rare congenital anomaly known since antiquity. This congenital anomaly is defined as a polymalformative syndrome that associates major muscle and skeleton abnormalities (unique lower limbs) with visceral abnormalities (unilateral or bilateral renal agenesis, anomalies of the abdominal vascularisation). This phenotype, typical of sirenomelia syndrome, may be more or less severe. The pathogenic mechanisms of this syndrome are still debated and its etiology remains unknown. We report here a new type of sirenomelia that we observed in a fetus belonging to the collection of the Department of Anatomy of Reims, which led us to perform a comprehensive review of the literature on the subject: this type has never been reported and cannot be classified according to the Stocker and Heifetz classification. Moreover, this case also presents a VACTERL association with Thomas syndrome.

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Surveillance of colorectal cancer is currently based on dosage of tumoral markers, colonoscopy and multidetector row computed tomography. However, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET-CT are two second-line useful imaging modalities to assess colorectal cancer local recurrence (LR). The anatomical information derived from MRI combined to the functional information provided by diffusion-weighted imaging currently remain of value. Pelvic MRI is accurate not only for detection of pelvic colorectal recurrence but also for the prediction of absence of tumoral invasion in pelvic structures, and it may thus provide a preoperative road map of the recurrence to allow for appropriate surgical planning. As always, correlation of imaging and clinical findings in the multidisciplinary forum is paramount. MRI can also be used to follow-up LR treated with radiofrequency ablation. The aim of this review is to discuss clinical practice and application of MRI in the assessment or pelvic recurrence from colorectal cancer.