Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the older child.
Five children aged between 9 months and 7 years were admitted to hospital each with an unsuspected congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In 4 the diagnosis was pneumonia with a secondary pleural effusion or lung abscess. Initial investigations were unhelpful to the admitting physician; two of the children had had a previous chest x-ray which was normal. For 3 children the correct diagnosis was only made at necropsy. It is suggested that the possibility of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia be considered in any patient who has an indefinable diaphragm and cystic lesion on his chest x-ray film. Barium studies with the patient in Trendelenburg's position are of value in excluding the presence of bowel in the chest.
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006548:Hernia, Diaphragmatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D065630:Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011023:Pneumonia, Staphylococcal / Q000175:diagnosis; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors