Paraesophageal hernia mimicking pneumatocele in an infant: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

A defect in the oesophageal hiatus can result in the herniation of the stomach or other abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity, known as a hiatal hernia. These hernias are uncommon in infants and children, and their symptoms can be vague and non-specific, posing challenges for even experienced clinicians to make a diagnosis. Regardless of the case, surgical intervention is necessary due to the potentially life-threatening complications associated with this condition. We present a rare case of a 2-month-old infant with congenital paraesophageal hernia (PEH) who initially came to our hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia with pneumatocele. Based on clinical presentation and radiological examinations, the infant was correctly diagnosed with PEH and gastric volvulus. The patient underwent emergency surgical correction and was discharged in a stable condition. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the clinical presentation and maintain a high level of suspicion to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management in these cases.