Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
| Congenital diaphragmatic hernia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | CDH |
| Chest radiograph showing a right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a neonate, with visible bowel loops in the thoracic cavity | |
| Specialty | Pediatrics, medical genetics |
| Symptoms | Respiratory distress at birth |
| Usual onset | Congenital |
| Types | Bochdalek hernia, Morgagni hernia |
| Causes | Abnormal development of the diaphragm |
| Diagnostic method | Prenatal ultrasound, chest radiography |
| Treatment | Respiratory support, surgical repair |
| Prognosis | Variable; depends on severity and associated anomalies |
| Frequency | 2–3 per 10,000 live births |
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect of the diaphragm. The most common type of CDH is a Bochdalek hernia; other types include Morgagni hernia, diaphragm eventration and central tendon defects of the diaphragm. Malformation of the diaphragm allows the abdominal organs to push into the chest cavity, hindering proper lung formation.
CDH is a life-threatening condition in infants and a major cause of death due to two complications: pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Experts disagree on the relative importance of these two conditions, with some focusing on hypoplasia, others on hypertension. Newborns with CDH often have severe respiratory distress which can be life-threatening unless treated appropriately.