An individual with ectopia cordis heart is outside of the chest, in the neck or in the abdomen.
The ectopic heart is not protected by the skin or sternum. Other organs may also have formed outside the skin. The heart is not formed properly and many other heart defects are associated with this condition.
Generally the heart is underdeveloped and most babies that are born alive with this condition will die during their first few days. Stillbirth is common.
Along with the evident malformation of the heart, individuals with Ectopia cordis may also have cleft palate, spinal defects, and pulmonary atresia. Most of the Ectopia cordis patients have C curvature on the thoracic spine as well as kyphosis.
The ectopic heart is not protected by the skin or sternum. Other organs may also have formed outside the skin. The heart is not formed properly and many other heart defects are associated with this condition.
Generally the heart is underdeveloped and most babies that are born alive with this condition will die during their first few days. Stillbirth is common.
Along with the evident malformation of the heart, individuals with Ectopia cordis may also have cleft palate, spinal defects, and pulmonary atresia. Most of the Ectopia cordis patients have C curvature on the thoracic spine as well as kyphosis.
Stillborn infant with Ectopia cordis