[Congenital sternal cleft. Diagnosis and treatment].

The first known case of sternal cleft was described by Torres in 1740. Since then, many publications have appeared concerning sternal cleft, which have led to introduce a classification and some therapeutical procedures. This disease is a developmental anomaly of the sternum that usually shows vascular and cardiac malformations as well as diaphragmatic, abdominal wall, pericard and middle line organs anomalies. Two cases of sternal cleft are presented who have been treated in the neonatal period with different associated anomalies. Diagnostic procedures and therapeutical aspects are discussed.