title: Accessory hemi diaphragm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Accessory hemi diaphragm (AHD) is an uncommon condition. Its clinical features, diagnosis and management have not been clearly defined.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the world literature and added a case of our own.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are 40 proven cases in the literature. The lesion occurs almost exclusively in the right hemithorax. Twenty seven cases presented with cardiovascular and/or respiratory symptoms while 3 had symptoms pertaining to other systems. In the remaining 10 patients the diagnosis was either made accidentally or information pertaining to their presentation is missing. Abnormalities of pulmonary and systemic blood vessels often accompany the abnormality. The diagnosis is usually suspected because of an abnormal chest radiograph and confirmed by a variety of tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If the AHD prevents proper aeration of the lung it should be excised. If vascular abnormalities coexist they should be treated along with the AHD. Asymptomatic patients may be observed after confirming the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL. Electronic address: jrpds@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Jayant
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Radhakrishnan
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bean
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Piazza
authors.affiliation: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Anthony C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Chin
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Accessory diaphragm; Accessory hemi diaphragm; Anomalous pulmonary vein; Lobar agenesis; Pulmonary hypoplasia; Scimitar syndrome