This document discusses diaphragmatic hernias and anatomy. It describes:
1) The anatomy of the diaphragm including its muscular components and potential weaknesses.
2) The different types of congenital diaphragmatic hernias including Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias.
3) Acquired diaphragmatic hernias such as hiatal hernias and traumatic ruptures of the diaphragm.
4) Imaging features of diaphragmatic hernias and variants seen on radiography, CT, MRI and ultrasound. Direct and indirect signs of rupture are outlined.
Diaphragmatic hernias occur when abdominal organs protrude through a defect in the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. They can be congenital or acquired from trauma. Clinical signs depend on the organs herniated but may include respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. Diagnosis involves radiography or ultrasound to identify loss of the diaphragm and abdominal organs in the chest. Surgical repair is often needed and involves replacing organs, closing the defect, and draining air from the chest cavity. Peritoneopericardial hernias are congenital and involve liver herniation into the pericardial sac.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect that affects about 1 in 2,000-5,000 live births. It occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs to migrate into the chest cavity and compress lung development. Untreated CDH has a high mortality rate of nearly 70%. Prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound is possible as early as the second trimester. Postnatal treatment may involve mechanical ventilation, nitric oxide, surfactant therapy, and in severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or surgery to repair the diaphragmatic defect. Long-term outcomes include risks of chronic lung disease, feeding difficulties, growth
This report discusses imaging findings for a 19-month-old female patient being evaluated for a suspected lung abscess. The imaging shows a hiatal hernia where part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm. Specifically, it appears to be a paraesophageal type hernia where the gastroesophageal junction remains in the normal position but part of the stomach herniates into the chest. The report further describes the diagnosis and types of diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias seen on various imaging modalities like ultrasound, chest radiograph, CT and MRI.