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Zhang Weiyuan, a 4-year old boy who lives in China, was born with a condition called “Pentalogy of Cantrell”. Pentalogy of Cantrell is rare. It has to do with various internal organ defects. In the case of Zhang Weiyuan, his particular “Pentalogy of Cantrell” defect is known as ectopia cordis.

Ectopia Cordis is a birth defect characterized by the heart growing in an abnormal location. In most known cases of Ectopia Cordis the heart protrudes outside the chest; but it can also be situated in the stomach or neck.

Zhang Weiyuan’s heart protrudes outside his chest.
Photo of Zhang Weiyuan showing his heart growing outside his chest