Ectopia cordis thoracoabdominalis in a piglet

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Developmental Biology
• Congenital Anomalies

Background:

• Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital anomaly where the heart is abnormally positioned outside the chest cavity.
• Thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis specifically involves a fissure extending through both thoracic and abdominal regions.
• Understanding the prevalence and morphology of ectopia cordis in different species is crucial for veterinary diagnostics.

Observation:

• A congenital anomaly was observed in a female Yorkshire-cross piglet.
• The anomaly was characterized by the heart's displacement through a ventral body wall fissure.
• The fissure involved both the thoracic and cranial abdominal regions, defining it as ectopia cordis thoracoabdominalis.

Findings:

• Dissection confirmed the morphology of the severe developmental defect.
• A literature review was conducted to contextualize this case within existing knowledge of ectopia cordis.
• This case represents one of only three documented instances of ectopia cordis thoracoabdominalis in swine.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare congenital defects in swine.
• Further research into the etiology of ectopia cordis in domestic animals may be warranted.
• Accurate diagnosis and reporting of such anomalies contribute to veterinary knowledge and comparative pathology.