Complete Ectopia Cordis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Congenital Anomalies
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital condition characterized by the heart's abnormal positioning outside the chest cavity.
• It is often associated with pentalogy of Cantrell, involving defects in the thoracoabdominal wall and other visceral structures.
• The condition has a high mortality rate, with many infants succumbing within days of birth, even with surgical intervention.

Observation:

• A case of ectopia cordis in an infant born to an uneducated rural family is presented.
• The infant survived for seven days, exceeding the typical survival period often cited in medical literature.
• Diagnosis was established postnatally, highlighting potential delays in identification and management.

Findings:

• Prenatal diagnosis via antenatal ultrasound is possible in well-equipped facilities, enabling early management planning.
• The presented case demonstrates prolonged survival despite the rarity and severity of ectopia cordis.
• This case underscores the importance of proactive diagnosis and timely treatment initiation.

Implications:

• Increased awareness among pediatricians and obstetricians regarding ectopia cordis is essential for early detection.
• Prompt and proactive management strategies may improve outcomes for infants with this rare congenital heart defect.
• Further research into optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for ectopia cordis is warranted to improve salvage rates.