Ectopia Cordis - Prognosis

Prognosis

The prognosis of ectopia cordis depends on classification according to three factors:

  1. Location of the defect
    • Cervical
    • Thoracic
    • Thoracoabdominal
    • Abdominal
  2. Extent of the cardiac displacement
  3. Presence or absence of intracardiac defects

Some studies have suggested a better prognosis with surgery in cases of thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis or less severe pentalogy of Cantrell. In general, the prognosis for ectopia cordis is poor -- most cases result in death shortly after birth due to infection, hypoxemia, or cardiac failure.

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