Case Report

Congenital diaphragma evantration: a case report

  • Necati Balamtekin
  • Vural Kesik
  • S. Tolga Yavuz
  • Rıdvan Akın

Received Date: 15.11.2006 Accepted Date: 07.02.2007 Gulhane Med J 2007;49(4):250-252

Diaphragmatic eventration is characterized by a permanent elevation of diaphragma, which can not complete its muscularization during gestation. Intraabdominal organs at the affected side compress lungs due to loose diaphragma and impair pulmonary functions, and problems related to the organs at the contralateral side may occur due to the mediastinal shift. Patients may present with diverse complaints, ranging from mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting to life-threatening respiratory distress. Although it can be asymptomatic, it may cause recurrent pneumonia impairing lung inflation. We herein report a case with congenital diaphragmatic eventration presenting with recurrent pneumonia.

Keywords: Child, diaphragmatic eventration, pneumonia