Delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a case report

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is known as a structural defect caused by inadequate fusion of the pleuroperitoneal membrane forming the diaphragm, allowing peritoneal viscera to protrude into the pleural cavity. It affects nearly one out of 2500 live births. We here report the case of a six-month-old boy with left diaphragmatic hernia presenting with poor feeding, breathing difficulty, cough, and recurrent pneumonia in the last 2 months. Chest X-ray and computed tomography scan revealed left sided CDH. The defect was corrected through open surgical repair without complications. At 5-month follow-up a radiograph was performed which revealed full recovery. The primary goal of this report was to alert physicians to suspect this diagnosis in patients with unexpected presentation of diaphragmatic hernia.