Surgical Repair of Ectopia Cordis in a Sub-Saharan African Country (Benin)

Abdel Kémal Bori Bata; Désiré Nékoua; Ahmad Ibrahim; Boris Gogan; Eugène Zoumenou

doi:10.1055/a-2698-3658

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Reports, Table of Contents

CC BY 4.0 · Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Rep 2025; 14(01): e29-e32
DOI: 10.1055/a-2698-3658

Pediatric Congenital Cardiology (PCC) Case Reports

Surgical Repair of Ectopia Cordis in a Sub-Saharan African Country (Benin)

Authors

Abdel Kémal Bori Bata

¹University Visceral Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin

²University Cardiology Clinic, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
Désiré Nékoua

³Multipurpose University Clinic of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
Ahmad Ibrahim

²University Cardiology Clinic, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
Boris Gogan

⁴University Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
Eugène Zoumenou

³Multipurpose University Clinic of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin

Abstract

Background

Ectopia cordis (EC) is an exceptionally rare congenital anomaly with a poor prognosis, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Case Description

We present a newborn with complete thoracic EC who underwent surgical correction on day 5 of life. Although cardiac repositioning and soft tissue coverage were achieved, the infant died 72 hours postoperatively from septic shock, reflecting the significant challenges faced in such contexts.

Conclusion

This case underscores the urgent need for improved antenatal care and technical resources to enhance outcomes for complex congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords

ectopia cordis - sternal agenesis - surgical correction - sub-Saharan Africa

Full Text

References

References
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