Pentalogy of Cantrell: A case report of probable pentalogy of Cantrell in a full-term neonate

Abstract

Background: Pentalogy of Cantrell (PC) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly which was first described in 1985. The incidence of the PC has been reported to vary from 5.5-7.9 cases per million live births. This anomaly involves diaphragmatic pericardial defects, lower sternal defect, intracardiac anomalies, ventral abdominal wall abnormality, and anterior diaphragmatic defect. Considering the number of presented anomalies, PC is classified into three groups of certain, probable, or incomplete pentalogy. Although the etiology of PC is unknown, it has been assumed that abnormalities in intra embryonic mesodermal differentiation formation and migration at around 14-18 days after conception are responsible for the anomalies observed in PC. The prenatal diagnosis of the PC can be made via prenatal two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound. Case report: This case report investigated an Iranian 2-hour-old full-term neonate who was referred to Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah, Iran, due to respiratory distress and abdominal wall defect. The patient was finally diagnosed with a probable PC, although his prenatal investigations were considered normal. Conclusion: Although ultrasonography is a widely available tool for prenatal diagnosis of PC, as in our case, the absence of ectopic heart and omphalocele makes the prenatal diagnosis of PC via ultrasonography less possible. Keyword