Imaging clinical case

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) results from incomplete closure of the pleuroperitoneal canal during fetal development, allowing herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. It usually presents in the neonatal period with respiratory distress, but can also manifest later in life.
The diagnosis of late-onset CDH should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of children with acute or recurrent nonspecific symptoms, especially respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms or both. Clinical suspicion and plain radiography remain the key to diagnosis. Early surgical correction of the diaphragmatic defect is crucial to prevent possible passage or strangulation of abdominal viscera and severe respiratory problems. 
In the present report, the authors present a typical case of late-onset CDH with acute presentation of gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain and vomiting). Thoracoscopic repair was performed, with reduction of the abdominal contents (small bowel and colon) and suturing of the posterior diaphragmatic defect.