Late presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia-anaesthetic considerations

Delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is not uncommon and can represent 5-30% of total CDHs. (1) Time before the diagnosis may be prolonged, sometimes to the adult period. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent but not specific. Children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms have been shown to be significantly older than those presenting with respiratory symptoms. (2) Late presentations can be misleading to a clinician. However, when a diagnosis of CDH is established, it must be promptly treated surgically in order to avoid complications such as strangulation or bowel perforation. Outcome is usually favourable after surgery. We hereby report a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting as acute chest pain due to midgut volvulus in left thoracic cavity.
Table of Contents Abstract Case Report Discussion References Case Report A previously healthy 14 year old male child was admitted to the hospital with a history of acute pain in [...]