There are other types of ectopia cordis. One type is called Cervical Ectopia cordis which is a type of 5% of the total cases. The heart is located in the neck of the infant. The second type is Thoracic Ectopia cordis that is of 65% of the total cases. The heart is located in the anterior of the sternum. Lastly thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis that is 20% of the total cases. The heart is located in between the thorax and the abdomen. Abdominal ectopia cordis is 10% of the total cases. The heart is located in the abdomen of the infant.
The main cause of Ectopia Cordis is when at least part or the whole sternum of the baby fails to develop completely or normally ( instead of closing it stay’s completely open causing the heart to go through). It usually happens very early in the pregnancy. It is considered a random abnormality. Doctors have other theories that may have caused it like: chromosomal abnormalities, intrauterine drug exposure, and rupture of the fetal membranes (chorion) or yolk sac. …show more content…
There are a few different types of ectopia cordis one being cervical ectopia cordis another being thoracic ectopia cordis and lastly abdominal ectopia cordis. A few signs are evidence of the malformation, and cleft palate. The main causes is when the sternum is not completely formed properly. Ectopia comes with some complications like low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. It is diagnosed between 9- 29 weeks of pregnancy through routine ultrasounds. Treatment can either be surgery broken in to multiple surgeries and if surgery is no an option the child wears a protective vest to block off the