Death Due to Late Onset Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernia is usually congenital, nevertheless it can also be acquired, particularly following trauma. Most of late onset hernias are acquired and reported cases of congenital type are rare. This case explicates a late onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) where the diagnosis was made at the time of autopsy. Autopsy revealed the stomach and the proximal small intestines to be present in the left hemi thorax through a 4.5cm X 5cm defect in left hemi-diaphragm. Left lung was found to be collapsed and 60 g in weight. Histology revealed pulmonary hypoplasia. The Cause of Death was declared as CDH complicated with lung hypoplasia.