Ectopia cordis: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A rare congenital malformation where the heart is located outside the thoracic cavity}}
{{SI}}  
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox medical condition
 
| name            = Ectopia cordis
'''Ectopia cordis''' is a rare congenital malformation characterized by the abnormal location of the heart outside the thoracic cavity. This condition is often associated with other [[congenital disorders]] and presents significant challenges for [[surgical intervention]].
| image          = [[File:Humhrt2.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption        = Illustration of ectopia cordis
==Presentation==
| synonyms        =
Ectopia cordis is typically diagnosed at birth or through prenatal imaging techniques such as [[ultrasound]] or [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI). The heart may be located partially or completely outside the chest cavity, and the condition is often associated with defects in the [[sternum]], [[pericardium]], and [[diaphragm]].
| pronounce      =
 
| specialty      = [[Cardiology]], [[Pediatric surgery]]
| symptoms        = Heart located outside the thoracic cavity
| complications  = [[Infection]], [[heart failure]], [[death]]
| onset          = [[Congenital]]
| duration        = Lifelong
| types          = Thoracic, Cervical, Thoracoabdominal, Abdominal
| causes          = [[Developmental defect]] during embryogenesis
| risks          =  
| diagnosis      = [[Prenatal ultrasound]], [[Echocardiogram]], [[MRI]]
| differential    =
| prevention      =
| treatment      = [[Surgical repair]]
| medication      =
| prognosis      = Poor, high mortality rate
| frequency      = Rare
| deaths          =
}}
{{short description|Congenital malformation where the heart is located outside the thoracic cavity}}
'''Ectopia cordis''' is a rare congenital malformation in which the heart is located partially or totally outside of the thoracic cavity. This condition is often associated with other [[congenital disorders]] and has a high mortality rate due to the exposure of the heart to the external environment and the associated complications.
==Classification==
==Classification==
Ectopia cordis can be classified based on the location of the heart:
Ectopia cordis can be classified based on the location of the heart:
* '''Cervical ectopia cordis''': The heart is located in the neck region.
* '''Cervical ectopia cordis''': The heart is located in the neck region.
* '''Thoracic ectopia cordis''': The heart is located in the chest but outside the rib cage.
* '''Thoracic ectopia cordis''': The heart is located in the chest but outside the rib cage.
* '''Thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis''': The heart is located between the thorax and abdomen.
* '''Thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis''': The heart is located between the thorax and abdomen.
* '''Abdominal ectopia cordis''': The heart is located in the abdominal cavity.
* '''Abdominal ectopia cordis''': The heart is located in the abdominal region.
 
==Pathophysiology==
==Associated anomalies==
The exact cause of ectopia cordis is not well understood, but it is believed to result from a failure in the development of the [[ventral body wall]] during embryogenesis. This failure leads to a defect in the [[sternum]] and [[pericardium]], allowing the heart to develop outside the thoracic cavity.
==Associated Anomalies==
Ectopia cordis is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including:
Ectopia cordis is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including:
* [[Omphalocele]]
* [[Omphalocele]]
* [[Pentalogy of Cantrell]]
* [[Pentalogy of Cantrell]]
* [[Congenital heart defects]]
* [[Congenital heart defects]]
* [[Cleft sternum]]
* [[Diaphragmatic hernia]]
 
==Pathophysiology==
The exact cause of ectopia cordis is not well understood, but it is believed to result from a failure in the development of the [[ventral body wall]] during embryogenesis. This failure leads to the incomplete closure of the thoracic cavity, allowing the heart to develop outside its normal location.
 
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Prenatal diagnosis of ectopia cordis can be achieved through advanced imaging techniques. [[Ultrasound]] is commonly used to detect the condition during routine prenatal screenings. [[MRI]] can provide more detailed information about the extent of the defect and associated anomalies.
Ectopia cordis can be diagnosed prenatally using [[ultrasound]] imaging. The condition is often detected during routine prenatal scans, where the abnormal position of the heart can be visualized.
 
==Management==
==Management==
Management of ectopia cordis is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Surgical intervention is often necessary to reposition the heart and repair associated defects. The timing and feasibility of surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the presence of other anomalies.
Management of ectopia cordis is challenging and typically involves surgical intervention. The goals of surgery are to protect the heart, correct associated anomalies, and relocate the heart into the thoracic cavity if possible. The timing and approach to surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the presence of other anomalies.
 
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for individuals with ectopia cordis varies widely and depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of associated anomalies. In many cases, the condition is life-threatening, and survival rates are low. However, advances in surgical techniques and neonatal care have improved outcomes for some patients.
The prognosis for infants with ectopia cordis is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. Survival depends on the extent of the defect, the presence of associated anomalies, and the success of surgical interventions.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Congenital heart defect]]
* [[Congenital heart defect]]
* [[Pentalogy of Cantrell]]
* [[Pentalogy of Cantrell]]
* [[Omphalocele]]
* [[Omphalocele]]
 
[[Category:Congenital disorders of musculoskeletal system]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]

Latest revision as of 01:49, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Ectopia cordis
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty Cardiology, Pediatric surgery
Symptoms Heart located outside the thoracic cavity
Complications Infection, heart failure, death
Onset Congenital
Duration Lifelong
Types Thoracic, Cervical, Thoracoabdominal, Abdominal
Causes Developmental defect during embryogenesis
Risks
Diagnosis Prenatal ultrasound, Echocardiogram, MRI
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment Surgical repair
Medication
Prognosis Poor, high mortality rate
Frequency Rare
Deaths


Congenital malformation where the heart is located outside the thoracic cavity


Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital malformation in which the heart is located partially or totally outside of the thoracic cavity. This condition is often associated with other congenital disorders and has a high mortality rate due to the exposure of the heart to the external environment and the associated complications.

Classification[edit]

Ectopia cordis can be classified based on the location of the heart:

  • Cervical ectopia cordis: The heart is located in the neck region.
  • Thoracic ectopia cordis: The heart is located in the chest but outside the rib cage.
  • Thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis: The heart is located between the thorax and abdomen.
  • Abdominal ectopia cordis: The heart is located in the abdominal region.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The exact cause of ectopia cordis is not well understood, but it is believed to result from a failure in the development of the ventral body wall during embryogenesis. This failure leads to a defect in the sternum and pericardium, allowing the heart to develop outside the thoracic cavity.

Associated Anomalies[edit]

Ectopia cordis is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including:

Diagnosis[edit]

Ectopia cordis can be diagnosed prenatally using ultrasound imaging. The condition is often detected during routine prenatal scans, where the abnormal position of the heart can be visualized.

Management[edit]

Management of ectopia cordis is challenging and typically involves surgical intervention. The goals of surgery are to protect the heart, correct associated anomalies, and relocate the heart into the thoracic cavity if possible. The timing and approach to surgery depend on the severity of the condition and the presence of other anomalies.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for infants with ectopia cordis is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. Survival depends on the extent of the defect, the presence of associated anomalies, and the success of surgical interventions.

See also[edit]