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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: January 31, 2025
Imaging of congenital diaphragmatic hernias
George A Taylor1, Omolola M Atalabi, Judy A Estroff
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA. george.taylor@childrens.harvard.edu
Insights
Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are serious conditions affecting infant lungs and blood vessels. Advanced imaging like prenatal ultrasound and MRI aids in early diagnosis and predicting outcomes for these complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Neonatology
Background:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) are complex defects with significant physiological impact.
- These conditions affect lung development, pulmonary vasculature, and related structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of imaging in managing infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding CDH pathogenesis and imaging protocols.
Main Methods:
- Prenatal sonography and MRI for early defect identification and anomaly detection.
- Postnatal radiography and cross-sectional imaging for differential diagnosis and complication management.
Main Results:
- Prenatal imaging accurately identifies CDH, associated anomalies, and degree of pulmonary hypoplasia.
- Imaging aids in predicting neonatal survival and the need for respiratory support.
- Postnatal imaging assists in diagnosing intrathoracic masses and managing complications.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of CDH relies on understanding its pathophysiology and utilizing current imaging strengths.
- Integrated imaging strategies are crucial for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning in CDH patients.
Abstract:
Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are complex and life-threatening lesions that are not just anatomic defects of the diaphragm, but represent a complex set of physiologic derangements of the lung, the pulmonary vasculature, and related structures. Imaging plays an increasingly important role in the care of these infants. Prenatal sonography and MRI have allowed early and accurate identification of the defect and associated anomalies. These tools have also been the key to defining the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia and to predicting neonatal survival and need for aggressive respiratory rescue strategies. In the postnatal period, conventional radiography supplemented by cross-sectional imaging in selected cases can be very useful in sorting out the differential diagnosis of intrathoracic masses, in the detection of associated anomalies, and in the management of complications. Understanding the pathogenesis of diaphragmatic defects, the underlying physiologic disturbances, and the strengths and limitations of current imaging protocols is essential to the effective and accurate management of these complex patients.
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