Omphalocele vs. Thoracic Ectopia Cordis

Left picture: The diagnosis is a small omphalocele which contains at surgery a process of the liver. Right picture: The diagnosis is a sternal cleft with a thoracic ectopia of the heart; in addition, an omphalocele is present coveered with a cutaneous layer.

Both neonates have a prolapse of viscera. Left picture: On pulling the thick umbilical cord upward a small red mass connected to it becomes visible. Right picture: Here, there is no connection of the prolapsed mass to the umbilical cord; the shape of the structure is unusual for an intestinal organ and lies above a prominence which is covered by a thin skin.