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Published on: November 1, 2018
Cantrell syndrome with complex cardiac malformations: a case report
Li Wen1, Liao Jun-lin, Hao Jia
1Department of Radiology, XinQiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, ChongQing 400037, PR China.
Insights
Cantrell syndrome, a rare congenital defect affecting five structures, presents significant survival challenges. This case highlights successful surgical intervention and positive long-term outcomes for a patient with this complex condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Malformations
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cantrell syndrome is a rare congenital defect involving the abdominal wall, sternum, diaphragm, pericardium, and heart.
- It is associated with high mortality and poor quality of life for survivors.
Observation:
- A male infant presented with Cantrell syndrome and severe cardiac malformations.
- The patient experienced multiple life-threatening events but survived to undergo surgical repair at 5 months old.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention successfully reduced the cardiac size within the thoracoabdominal cavity.
- The abdominal wall defect was repaired, and multiple stenoses of the heart and great vessels were addressed.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the feasibility of complex surgical repair for Cantrell syndrome.
- Successful outcomes are possible, leading to a normal, healthy development in survivors.
Abstract:
Cantrell syndrome is a rare condition of congenital defects of 5 developmentally associated structures: the abdominal wall, sternum, diaphragm, pericardium, and heart. Few patients survive, and even fewer survive with good outcomes of quality of life. We present a case with the pentalogy and profound cardiac malformations. Despite repeated life-threatening conditions, the boy survived to have his first operation at 5 months old. The operation reduced the heart within the thoracoabdominal area, repaired the abdominal wall defect, and released multiple stenoses of the heart and great vessels. The patient recovered uneventfully. At 4.5 years old, he is healthy and developed normally.
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