Ectopia cordis: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
CSV import
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|A rare congenital malformation where the heart is located outside the thoracic cavity}}
{{short description|Congenital malformation where the heart is located outside the thoracic cavity}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''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]].
'''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.
 
==Presentation==
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]].


==Classification==
==Classification==
Line 13: Line 10:
* '''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==
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==
==Associated Anomalies==
Ectopia cordis is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including:
Ectopia cordis is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including:


Line 21: Line 21:
* [[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.


==Related pages==
==Related pages==
Line 40: Line 37:
* [[Omphalocele]]
* [[Omphalocele]]


[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
==Gallery==
[[File:Ectopia_cordis.jpg|thumb|right|Ectopia cordis in a newborn.]]
 
[[Category:Congenital disorders of musculoskeletal system]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
<gallery>
File:Ectopia cordis.jpg|Ectopia cordis
</gallery>

Revision as of 14:13, 21 February 2025

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

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

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:

Diagnosis

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 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

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.

Related pages

Gallery

File:Ectopia cordis.jpg
Ectopia cordis in a newborn.