The first discussions of Ectopia Cordis arose in 1706, when Dr. Haller and a few others released a medical publication centered around obstetrics and gynecology. This malformation is defined as a congenital misplacement in which the heart forms outside of the thoracic cage. These cases can result in a partial or complete effect. Partial Ectopia Cordis is when the heart is located underneath a thick layer of skin while complete involves the heart being entirely exposed or hidden just under the skin. This abnormality also can transpire in the stomach and neck as well.
Although there are no known causes of Ectopia Cordis, theories have suggested that it has to do with the improper development of the breast plate in the embryo as well as chromosome
