Primary Sternal Cleft Repair in First Week of Life

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2021 Sep;12(5):671-673. doi: 10.1177/2150135120975767. Epub 2021 Feb 16.

Abstract

We present a full-term neonate with a postnatal diagnosis of a sternal cleft. Cardiac evaluation was otherwise remarkable for a patent ductus arteriosus and patent foramen ovale. Computed tomography scan confirmed the absence of a sternum except for a small inferior portion, including the xyphoid process. The patient underwent primary repair at five days of age through a midline incision where an absence of pericardium anteriorly was noted. She was extubated successfully the next day and discharged home on postoperative day 3. On follow-up examination, her sternum has been healing well without any clinical concerns. We advocate early repair of such defects in order to allow primary closure in a tension-free manner.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Musculoskeletal Abnormalities*
  • Pericardium
  • Sternum* / abnormalities
  • Sternum* / diagnostic imaging
  • Sternum* / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Sternal cleft