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Thoracic ectopia cordis
Jimmy Shad1, Keshav Budhwani, Rakesh Biswas
1General Surgery Department, People's College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre Bhopal, Bhopal, India.
BMJ Case Reports
|October 5, 2012
Summary
Ectopia cordis, a rare congenital defect, displaces the heart outside the chest. This case highlights the severe respiratory distress and rapid mortality associated with this condition in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Malformations
- Neonatal Surgery
Background:
- Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the heart's displacement outside the thoracic cavity due to anterior chest wall defects.
- The condition's prevalence is estimated at 5.5 to 7.9 per million live births, representing a severe developmental abnormality.
Observation:
- A 15-hour-old neonate presented with an externally visible, beating heart, indicative of ectopia cordis.
- The infant exhibited significant respiratory distress and peripheral cyanosis, suggesting compromised cardiopulmonary function.
Findings:
- The neonate experienced cardiorespiratory arrest shortly after birth.
- Despite resuscitation efforts, the infant's condition was incompatible with survival, and surgical intervention was not feasible.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical and often fatal nature of ectopia cordis in neonates.
- Early diagnosis and management strategies are crucial, though often limited by the severity of the defect.
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