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Ectopia cordis: autopsy findings in four cases
G Medina-Escobedo1, M Reyes-Mugica, M Arteaga-Martinez
1Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, D.F. Mexico.
Insights
Ectopia cordis (EC) is a rare congenital heart defect where the heart is outside the chest. Accurate surgical planning requires understanding associated intra- and extracardiac anomalies, as detailed in four autopsy cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Malformations
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Ectopia cordis (EC) is a rare congenital malformation.
- The heart is abnormally positioned outside the thorax.
- EC is frequently associated with intracardiac anomalies.
Abstract:
Ectopia cordis (EC) is a rare congenital malformation characterized by the abnormal position of the heart outside the thorax. Since it is often associated with intracardiac anomalies, an adequate surgical approach requires a precise knowledge of the intra- and extracardiac morbid anatomy. We report 4 cases of EC with a detailed description of intracardiac findings at autopsy. The associated malformations were severe and aggravated the outcome. Intracardiac anomalies are sometimes mild, but can be associated with a severe extracardiac defect.