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Trisomy 18 in a First-Trimester Fetus with Thoraco-Abdominal Ectopia Cordis
Ricardo Diaz-Serani1, Waldo Sepulveda2
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Clinica BUPA, Santiago, Chile.
Insights
First-trimester diagnosis of ectopia cordis in fetuses with trisomy 18 is possible. This condition, presenting as an extrathoracic heart in a liver-containing omphalocele, is classified as thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis.
Area of Science:
- Medical genetics
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Fetal medicine
Background:
- Ectopia cordis, a rare congenital anomaly, is sometimes observed in fetuses with trisomy 18.
- Accurate prenatal diagnosis is crucial for management and counseling.
Abstract:
Introduction: Fetuses with trisomy 18 will occasionally also have ectopia cordis. Case report: A routine ultrasound scan at 12 weeks' gestation revealed a large fetal anterior thoraco-abdominal wall defect with an extrathoracic heart and a liver-containing omphalocele. Chorionic villus sampling revealed a 47,XY,+18 karyotype. Additional anomalies detected after termination of the pregnancy included a cleft lip and palate and left radial agenesis. Conclusions: The prenatal diagnosis of ectopia cordis associated with aneuploidy can be made in the first trimester of pregnancy. An extrathoracic heart located in a liver-containing omphalocoele should be considered a thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis rather than pentalogy of Cantrell.
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