distal sternal cleft
Last reviewed 01/2018
A distal sternal cleft is a very severe congenital deformity of the sternum characterised by:
- a cleft in the distal sternum
- a ventral omphalocoele
- a crescentic anterior defect in the diaphragm
- a deficiency of the diaphragmatic portion of the pericardium with free communication between the peritoneal and pericardial cavities
- tetralogy of Fallot or a left ventricular diverticulum