First trimester sonographic diagnosis of ectopia cordis: a case report and review of the literature.

A case of ectopia cordis (EC) with gastroschisis in a 27-year-old primigravida was diagnosed at 10(3/7) weeks of gestation. The pregnancy was terminated by suction dilatation and curettage. With the increasing use of first trimester ultrasonography, early detection of fetal abnormalities is becoming more frequent. We review other published cases of EC detected in the first trimester and discuss the possible advantages of early diagnosis including options of termination at earlier gestational ages which might decrease the physical and psychological trauma on some patients.