Pentalogy of Cantrell: embryofetoscopic diagnosis

What is the Survival Rate in Prenatally Detected Cantrell’s Pentalogy?

Cantrell’s pentalogy is a congenital defect characterized by uncompleted fusion of the anterior chest wall, resulting in an extrathoracic location of the heart. Ultrasound diagnosis during the first trimester of prenatal life is possible, and termination of pregnancy is usually chosen by pregnant women. We analysed 57 fetuses: 56 from literature and one additional recent case from our institute (from 2016) to evaluate what was the survival rate reported after prenatal diagnosis, including the possibility to terminate the pregnancy, intrauterine deaths and neonatal deaths. We found 10 survivors - 18% since 1984.

Despite dismal prognosis of fetal ectopia cordis, there is a chance for postnatal survivorship probably due to evolving anatomical structures, not only in the first trimester of pregnancy but also during the following weeks of prenatal life.

Pentalogy of Cantrell: Case Report With Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Pentalogy of Cantrell is a rare, congenital disorder characterized by lower sternal defects, diaphragmatic defect, pericardial defect, supraumbilical abdominal wall abnormalities, and/or intracardiac defects. The collective defects result from failure of either differentiation or migration of mesenchymal or mesodermal structures during the embryonic phase of development. Mortality of the disease complex is high, and treatment, when appropriate, revolves around surgical correction of the associated defects.

PURPOSE

This article presents a case of pentalogy of Cantrell and examines the literature to report the most current evidence relative to the embryology and pathophysiology. In addition, the methods of pre- and postnatal diagnosis, management, and prognostic indicators are examined.

METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY

Case report was gathered from the medical records and is provided as it occurred. The literature was searched for evidence of best management strategies as well as care implications for families.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

A female newborn was delivered at (Equation is included in full-text article.)weeks' gestation secondary to premature onset of labor. Prenatal ultrasonography identified an abdominal wall defect, diaphragmatic hernia, sternal defect, ventricular septal defect, and open neural tube defect. Examination immediately after delivery confirmed prenatal findings and a diagnosis of pentalogy of Cantrell was assigned.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Patients with the diagnosis of pentalogy of Cantrell should receive antenatal counseling relative to mortality and morbidity risks. An interprofessional approach in the immediate timeframe after delivery facilitates timely diagnostics and offers families prompt confirmation of antenatal findings.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Future research can focus on further elucidating genetic etiologies of pentalogy of Cantrell.