Closing the cleft over a throbbing heart: neonatal sternal cleft

Abstract

Sternal cleft is a rare anomaly comprising 0.5% of chest wall malformations. We present a case of a neonate with a 'V'-shaped upper partial sternal cleft at birth. A hyperpigmented cutaneous nevi was present over the cleft. Primary approximation and closure of the defect was performed at 1 week of life. We discuss the presentation and management, and review the literature.