A Rare Case of a Late Onset Central Tendon Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abstract

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare condition which usually presents in the first few days of life. In older children and adults however, the diagnosis may be more difficult. Late-presenting CDH is less common and the majority present with non-specific gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms later in childhood. For these reasons, late-presenting CDH is quite frequently misdiagnosed. Most CDH are of the Bochdalek or posterolateral type with much smaller numbers of anterior or Morgagni defects. We present a case report of this rare type of CDH in an older child and our experience managing the condition. The purpose of this report is to familiarize clinicians and surgeons with the clinical presentations that can occur in children with CDH, in order to facilitate early management and avoid possible life-threatening conditions.