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Late onset diaphragmatic hernia complicated by intestinal strangulation
Cassidy A Delaney1, Paul J Rozance, John A Sandoval
1Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA. Cassidy.delaney@childrenscolorado.org
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|February 14, 2012
Summary
Late-onset diaphragmatic hernia in infants can rapidly cause cardiac arrest due to intestinal strangulation. This condition requires immediate surgical intervention for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Late-onset diaphragmatic hernia is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Nonspecific respiratory symptoms can mask serious underlying conditions in infants.
Observation:
- A 7-week-old infant presented with respiratory distress.
- Symptoms rapidly progressed to sudden cardiac arrest.
Findings:
- The cardiac arrest was attributed to a late-onset diaphragmatic hernia with intestinal strangulation.
- Diagnosis was confirmed post-cardiac arrest.
Implications:
- Late-onset diaphragmatic hernia should be recognized as a surgical emergency.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for infant survival.
- Increased clinical suspicion is warranted for infants with respiratory symptoms and potential abdominal compromise.
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