Imaging Findings in A Rare Case of Congenital Intrapericardial Herniation of Liver

Abstract

Congenital intrapericardial liver herniation via a diaphragmatic defect associated with a peritoneo-pericardial communication is extremely rare and poses a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. Radiological investigations play an unparalleled role in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. We, therefore, describe the imaging findings on chest roentgenogram, computed tomography, and ultrasonography in a four-day-old infant who presented with difficulty in breathing since birth and was eventually diagnosed as having herniation of the left lobe of the liver into the pericardium. Both ultrasonography and computed tomography can detect the disease by demonstrating anatomical and vascular continuity of the presumed intrapericardial mass with the liver. The correct diagnosis of this unusual condition is essential because surgical management is simple and distinct from other intrapericardial masses. Keywords: Intrapericardial liver herniation, Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Peritoneo-pericardial defect