Diaphragmatic eventration and phrenic palsy

Abstract

The term eventration is used to describe an abnormal elevation of the diaphragm. This may be congenital or acquired and one cause for the latter is phrenic nerve palsy. The distinction between a congenital diaphragmatic hernia with a sac and a congenital eventration is often confused. Margins of normal diaphragm should be apparent in a diaphragmatic hernia with a sac whereas an eventration will have a uniform contour. Congenital eventration may present in the newborn period with respiratory symptoms or they may be detected coincidentally in later life. Phrenic nerve palsies will usually present with respiratory failure.