Abstract
Ectopia Cordis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by partial or complete displacement of the heart outside the thoracic cavity with an estimated incidence of 5 to 8 per million live births We report a case of a 22-year-old primigravida, unbooked and immunized woman, with no relevant family or personal history, in which the prenatal fetal ultrasound, performed at 34 weeks of gestation, revealed a defect of the anterior chest wall with exteriorization of the heart. Baby was Pre-term 34 week by date but term by modified Ballard scoring, male weighing 2.4 kg delivered by lower segment caesarean section. Baby had complete thoracic ectopia cordis with large defect in anterior wall of chest and sternum was absent.
Highlights
Hallerfirst described the term Ectopia cordis in 1706 which is derived from Greek word ektopos meaning away from a place
The term ectopia cordis is defined as mal-position of heart, partially or completely outside the thorax
Depending upon the position of the heart ectopia cordis can be classified into five types:[1]
Summary
Hallerfirst described the term Ectopia cordis in 1706 which is derived from Greek word ektopos meaning away from a place. Ectopia cordis is complete or partial displacement of the heart outside the thoracic cavity. It may occur as an isolated malformation or it may be associated with a large category of ventral wall defects that affect the thorax, abdomen or both. Baby had a beating heart without pericardium in the sternal area of anterior thoracic wall. Repeat ultrasound examinations at 34th week of gestation by the same radiologist showed a normal growing foetus with a protruding heart outside the chest. She had come to this hospital for termination of pregnancy. Surgery was performed on 4th day of life but baby expired during surgery
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