Bochdalek hernia with intrathoracic kidney.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Bochdalek hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic defect.
• Intrathoracic kidney is a rare renal ectopia, found in less than 5% of cases.
• Congenital diaphragmatic defects can lead to abdominal organs herniating into the chest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of left-sided Bochdalek hernia with an intrathoracic left kidney.
• To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis of intrathoracic kidney to avoid unnecessary investigations and interventions.
• To raise awareness among clinicians about this rare presentation.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 20-year-old female with cough and fever.
• Diagnostic imaging including chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, and intravenous pyelogram (IVP).

Main Results:

• Chest X-ray revealed a left retro-cardiac homogenous opacity.
• CT scan confirmed a left-sided Bochdalek hernia with the left kidney located within the thorax.
• Abdominal ultrasound showed the left kidney was not visualized in its normal position.

Conclusions:

• Intrathoracic kidney associated with Bochdalek hernia is a rare condition.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis using imaging modalities like CT is essential.
• Avoiding misdiagnosis as a thoracic mass prevents unnecessary invasive procedures.