Congenital paraesophageal hernia presenting with chronic vomiting and iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

Hiatal hernia (HH) is very rare in children and is mostly due to congenital defects unlike adults having acquired etiology. HH is either sliding or paraesophageal hernia (PEH). PEH is rarer than sliding type and usually presents with non-specific intestinal or respiratory symptoms. PEH is very uncommon cause of iron deficiency anemia which is due to chronic blood loss from gastric erosions/ulcer and iron malabsorption. Surgery is mandatory treatment for it to avoid complications. Herein, we present a 23 months old female manifesting as intermittent coffee ground vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation, diagnosed as PEH with iron deficiency anemia.