Imaging Documentation of Pentalogy of Cantrell
Yes, images of Pentalogy of Cantrell are available and extensively documented in medical literature, with multiple imaging modalities used for both prenatal and postnatal diagnosis.
Prenatal Imaging Availability
Ultrasound remains the primary imaging modality for prenatal detection of Pentalogy of Cantrell, with diagnosis feasible as early as the first trimester when ectopia cordis and omphalocele are present 1.
- Routine antenatal scans at 12 weeks' gestation can reveal thoracoabdominal ectopia cordis and associated anomalies 1
- Advances in ultrasound technology provide better visualization and enable early diagnosis 1
- Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound can assist in assessment of characteristic features, though it is less uniformly available 2
- Fetal MRI may be used to complement ultrasound evaluations when additional anatomical detail is needed 2
Postnatal Imaging Documentation
Multiple imaging modalities are used postnatally to document the complete spectrum of anomalies in Pentalogy of Cantrell 3.
Computed Tomography (CT)
- Thoracoabdominal CT reveals the full extent of defects including herniation of abdominal contents, diaphragmatic hernias, and cardiac malformations 3
- Head CT can identify associated cranial anomalies such as craniosynostosis and corpus callosum abnormalities 3
- CT provides detailed visualization of sternal defects and chest wall abnormalities 3
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- MRI is utilized alongside CT for comprehensive anatomical assessment 3
- Provides superior soft tissue detail for evaluating pericardial and diaphragmatic defects 3
Echocardiography
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the primary modality for evaluating associated congenital heart defects 2
- All reported cases demonstrate associated congenital heart disease including atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), and persistent left superior vena cava 3, 4
Autopsy Documentation
Autopsy findings provide definitive anatomical documentation and confirm ultra-sonographic features 1, 5, 6.
- Pathologic examination documents the complete pentad: ectopia cordis, supraumbilical abdominal wall defect, sternal defect, absent pericardium, and anterior diaphragmatic defect 5, 6
- Additional anomalies frequently identified include bilateral cleft lip and palate, pulmonary hypoplasia, and various cardiac defects 5, 6
Clinical Imaging Considerations
A multidisciplinary imaging approach is essential, as diagnosis requires several imaging modalities to fully characterize the spectrum of anomalies 3, 4.
- Prenatal diagnosis has been established in all recent case series, with mean gestational age at delivery of 36.6 weeks 4
- The severity of illness varies greatly, and imaging documentation is critical for prenatal counseling and postnatal management planning 4
- Complete Pentalogy of Cantrell with complex congenital heart disease carries a poor prognosis, with most patients not surviving the first year of life 4