Upper sternal cleft associated with congenital cardiac defect—single stage surgical correction

Sternal cleft is a rare congenital malformation of anterior chest wall resulting from the failure of mesodermal migration to the midline during early embryological development. It may occur as an isolated anomaly or in connection with other congenital defects, most commonly of the cardiovascular system. The authors report the case of a 6-month-old girl with an upper sternal cleft combined with ventricular and atrial septal defects, who underwent single-stage surgical correction. The cosmetic and functional outcomes of the reconstruction were very good, with a stable anterior chest wall. The child is thriving, without cardiac limitations.