Cantrell's syndrome: a challenge to the surgeon.

We present a case of partial Cantrell's syndrome with ventricular septal defect, left ventricular diverticulum, dextrorotation of the heart, an anterior diaphragmatic defect, and a midline supraumbilical abdominal wall defect with omphalocele. At the age of 20 months, the patient underwent a successful cardiac surgical procedure. To detect risk factors and to define therapeutic strategies, we analyzed the spectrum and the frequency of malformations described in 153 patients with Cantrell's syndrome. Despite modern surgical standards, Cantrell's syndrome represents a challenge to the surgeon because of the wide spectrum of anomalies, the severity of the abdominal and cardiac malformations, and the high mortality.