Ectopia cordis: ethical dilemma in a developing country

Etopia cordis is a rare congenital abnormality affecting the heart which is present either totally or partially outside the thorax. Because of associated cardiac defects, survival beyond birth is uncommon. One such case in whom death occurred on the 23rd post-operative day from heart failure is described and the management and ethical considerations discussed. This is the first case which has survived beyond birth in Jamaica.