Ectopia Cordis

Abstract

Ectopia Cordis is a very rare congenital abnormality worldwide. Two Neonates with this condition were seen at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia in a period of 25 years (1980 -2005). To provide 2 cases reports of this rare condition and describe it `s management at the University Teaching hospital in Lusaka. Two Neonates with Ectopia Cordis were operated upon by Paediatric General Surgeons. This was after the patients had plain x-rays, ultra sound and CT-Scans done. Full thickness skin flaps were raised to cover the exposed pericardium without creating cardiac tamponade. The two patients are referred to here as A and B . Patient A (Fig. I) had moderate ectopia cordis with no associated abnormalities. Patient B (Fig. 3) had severe ectopic cordis associated with pentalogy of Cantrell. Both patients were operated upon. Patient A survived while Patient B died. Read through the entire article for detailed analysis.