Body Stalk Anomaly Complicated by Ectopia Cordis in the First Trimester

Abstract

The most serious conditions seen in body stalk anomaly may be the cases which are complicated by ectopia cordis, which is characterized by the abnormal location of the heart outside the thorax. We encountered four cases of body stalk anomaly, which were complicated by ectopia cordis, which were diagnosed in the first trimesters of pregnancy. In three of these cases, ultrasound scans revealed foetuses with large anterior abdominal wall defects, with their hearts extending outside their thoracic cavities. Their mothers, along with their husbands opted for termination of their pregnancies. In 1 other case, an ultrasound scan revealed a dead foetus, with gastroschisis. Based on the current cases, we suggest that the diagnosis of ectopia cordis caused by body stalk anomaly can be made during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Keywords

• body-stalk anomaly
• prenatal diagnosis