Differential diagnosis of pediatric anterior abdominal wall defects

• Gastroschisis
• Omphalocele
• Pentalogy of Cantrell
• Bladder exstrophy
• Cloacal exstrophy

Approach to the differential diagnosis of anterior abdominal wall defects:

• Gastroschisis is high in position and has no sac enclosing the herniated viscera
• Omphalocele is high in position and has a sac enclosing the herniated viscera
• Pentalogy of Cantrell has defects in lower sternum, anterior diaphragm, diaphragmatic portion of pericardium as well as anterior abdominal wall defect
• Bladder exstrophy defect is low in position and the bladder is herniated through it
• Cloacal exstrophy defect is low in position and the bladder and cecum are herniated through it