Hunan girl born with heart outside body receives treatment in Shanghai

A little girl from Hunan province born with her heart outside of the body and rib cage has come to Shanghai for medical treatment. The congenital defect, known as ectopia cordis, is extremely rare. In China, only two cases have been recorded and worldwide, over 200. The girl’s heart is protected by only a layer of skin and nothing else, and we imagine that sleeping in any other position than on her back would be life-threatening for her. The girl has just received treatment in Shanghai, and the surgery has been said to be successful. Unfortunately (and as usual), no other details were given.