Question

Ectopia cordis.

Hint:

Ectopia cordis is a rare and severe congenital defect that requires immediate surgical attention and supportive care.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding Ectopia Cordis.
Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital anomaly in which the heart is located outside the thoracic cavity. It is typically associated with severe defects in the chest wall, such as sternal or diaphragmatic defects, which allow the heart to protrude outside the body. This condition is often detected prenatally or shortly after birth.

Step 2: Types of Ectopia Cordis.
Ectopia cordis can be classified into several types:

Thoracic Ectopia Cordis: The heart is exposed on the chest wall.
Cervical Ectopia Cordis: The heart is located in the neck.
Abdominal Ectopia Cordis: The heart protrudes into the abdominal cavity.

Step 3: Diagnosis and Management.
Diagnosis is usually made through prenatal imaging, such as ultrasound. Management typically involves surgical intervention to place the heart inside the thoracic cavity and repair the associated chest wall defects. The prognosis depends on the extent of the anomalies and the timing of surgical correction.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Ectopia cordis is a life-threatening condition, but with immediate surgical intervention, some patients can survive, although long-term outcomes may be poor due to associated organ malformations.