Prenatal diagnosis of pentalogy of Cantrell at 11-13 weeks: Evidence for a hexalogy

Fetal MRI in the Identification of a Fetal Ventral Wall Defect Spectrum

Objective  To ascertain if useful criteria for prenatal diagnosis of fetal ventral body wall defects (VBWDs) exists by reviewing published literature on diagnosis of VBWD as compared with our own diagnostic experience. Study Design  A comprehensive literature review of diagnostic criteria of fetal VBWD including pentalogy of Cantrell (POC), omphalocele, exstrophy, imperforate anus, spina bifida (OEIS), cloacal exstrophy, limb-body wall complex (LBWC), and body stalk anomaly was performed followed by a retrospective review of all fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations from our medical center over a 2-year period. Results  Classically, OEIS is omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus, and spina bifida. POC is defects of the supraumbilical abdomen, sternum, diaphragm, pericardium, and heart. LBWC is two of the following: exencephaly or enencephaly with facial clefts, thoracoschisis or abdominoschisis, and limb defects. Twenty-four cases of VBWD on MRI over a 24-month period were identified with seven cases involving defects of additional organ systems. Six of these seven cases demonstrated findings from two or more of the traditional diagnoses POC, OEIS, and LBWC making diagnosis and counseling difficult. Conclusion  There is a lack of consensus on useful diagnostic criteria within the published literature which is reflected in our own diagnostic experience and poses a challenge for accurate prenatal counseling.

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.