ISLAMABAD: In an extraordinary and unique event, a baby’s heart has positioned outside the body upon birth, a condition known as ectopia cordis. This rare medical condition occurs in only 8 out of 1 million births.
In Muzaffargarh, a medical anomaly occurred where the newborn’s parents urgently brought their baby to a local hospital for immediate medical attention. Upon examination, doctors found that the baby’s heart was physically located outside the chest.
The baby, in critical condition, was swiftly transferred to Lahore Children’s Hospital for intensive care and evaluation. Professor Masood Sadiq, a renowned cardiologist leading the medical team at Lahore Children’s Hospital, conducted an echocardiography to assess the heart’s condition. His findings revealed a hole in the heart, further complicating the situation.
Professor Masood Sadiq stated, “In my career, I have encountered numerous complex cardiac cases, but this is truly extraordinary and challenging. Unfortunately, surgical intervention at this stage is not possible due to the heart’s location outside the body, and the hole in the heart is also adversely affecting the child’s lung function.”
Given the gravity of the situation, the Chief Medical Board convened to discuss and develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the newborn. The Chief Medical Board stated, “Our primary concern is the child’s well-being. We are evaluating all available options and seeking the best course of action.”
There is a possibility that plastic surgeons may perform an operation in the future to safely relocate the heart within the chest cavity. It’s worth noting that worldwide, 90% of these babies are either stillborn or do not survive beyond the first three days of life.
Ectopia cordis
Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital condition where the heart is located partially or fully outside the chest due to incomplete fetal chest wall closure. It often involves other organ and heart abnormalities. Treatment typically requires surgery to place the heart back into the chest cavity and address associated defects, but success depends on the case’s specifics and severity.
