Septum transversum diaphragmatic hernia in an adult

Abstract

Central diaphragmatic hernia is a rare defect of the coelomic cavity and, in particular, of the septum transversum. An absent or undeveloped pars sternalis of the septum transversum determines the persistence of the pericardial-peritoneal canal, with more or less wide communication between the pericardial and the peritoneal cavities. This malformation can be associated in various ways with other midline congenital defects and Cantrell pentalogy. No diagnostic case in adults has ever been described in the literature. We thus report an incidentally diagnosed case in an adult that was repaired with laparoscopy.