Diagnosis of pentalogy of Cantrell in the fetus using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound

We report two cases of pentalogy of Cantrell diagnosed in utero using a combination of fetal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The cardiac component consisted of tetralogy of Fallot in the first fetus and ventricular septal defect in the second fetus. Whereas fetal echocardiography allowed accurate delineation of the cardiac anatomy, prenatal magnetic resonance imaging allowed clearer delineation of the extent of the thoracic and abdominal wall defects. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with prenatal echocardiography allows optimal assessment of the fetus with ectopia cordis, which has significant implications from the standpoint of preoperative planning and providing prognostic information. This report represents the first description of applying magnetic resonance imaging in combination with echocardiography toward a better understanding of this clinical entity in the fetus.