What would be your reaction if you happen to encounter a person and you're able to see his heart? I mean someone whose heart is located outside their body? You might argue that this is impossible but I'm actually telling you that it is possible. This condition is referred to as Pentalogy of Cantrell, otherwise known as thoraco-abdominal syndrome. It is a rare condition which results in defects that involve the diaphragm, lower sternum, heart, pericardium, abdominal wall.
Pentalogy of Cantrell is a rare, often fatal congenital disorder which is characterized by birth defects which can potentially involve the sternum, the pericardium, the diaphragm, the abdominal wall and the heart. This disorder occurs at different levels of extremity in different patients and it can even be life-threatening in most cases. Majority of the affected infants do not develop all the potential defects, while a lesser fraction develops all the symptoms.
Symptoms Of Pentalogy Of Cantrell?
Defects of the pericardium at the point where it meets the diaphragm
Ventricular septal defects
Atrial septal defects
Dysplasia of the kidney
Respiratory difficulties
Cleft lip
Limb defects, et cetera.
Treatment Of Pentalogy Of Cantrell
Most infants who are afflicted with this condition might die if not treated, hence, a surgical procedure is usually employed to treat the condition. However, it should be noted that even the surgical procedures are not always able to save the child and some children will still die.
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