# Congenital Perineal Groove: A Rare Benign Neonatal Anomaly Mimicking Perineal Trauma

## TL;DR

This paper describes a rare benign birth condition called congenital perineal groove that can be mistaken for injury, emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis and management.

## Contribution

The paper highlights a rare neonatal anomaly and provides clinical insights to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate care.

## Key findings

- A term female neonate was found to have a congenital perineal groove, not perineal trauma.
- Conservative management with hygiene and follow-up is recommended for this benign condition.
- Surgical correction is only needed in persistent or complicated cases.

## Abstract

Congenital perineal groove is a rare, often under-recognized anomaly of the anogenital region, characterized by a non-keratinized mucosal sulcus extending from the posterior vaginal fourchette to the anterior margin of the anus. We report a term female neonate weighing 2.9 kg, born via normal vaginal delivery to a primigravida mother after an uneventful perinatal period, in whom a mucosal groove was noted extending from the posterior vaginal fourchette to the anal verge during routine examination. A perineal tear was initially suspected; however, the uncomplicated delivery argued against this diagnosis. A literature review confirmed the finding as a congenital perineal groove - a benign developmental anomaly. Recognition of this condition at birth is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis as perineal trauma or ambiguous genitalia. Conservative management with meticulous local hygiene and regular follow-up remains the mainstay of treatment; surgical correction is reserved for persistent or complicated cases. Awareness of this rare yet benign entity among clinicians ensures accurate diagnosis, appropriate counseling, and optimal management.