Cantrell pentalogy: report of a severe, fatal case in Bouaké (Côte d'Ivoire)

Abstract

Introduction: Cantrell's pentalogy corresponds to a defect in umbilical ring closure involving the supra-umbilical portion of the abdominal wall, secondary to an anomaly in mesodermal development during the first stage of embryonic development. Observation: This was a full-term female neonate referred to the Neonatology Department of Bouaké University Hospital at nine hours of age for congenital malformation. She presented with a chest wall defect revealing a beating mass reminiscent of the heart, along with an abdominal wall defect suggestive of an omphalocele. Cardiac ultrasound revealed a malformed heart with a single right ventricle. The parents were discharged against medical advice at 4 days of age. The newborn died on the 9th day at home. Conclusion: Pentalogy of Cantrell is an extremely rare congenital malformation whose prognosis depends on the severity of the associated cardiac anomaly.