Bochdalek hernia in a symptomatic adult

Bochdalek hernias usually present in neonates with respiratory failure, need to be operated early and are associated with a high mortality. We describe an adult patient who came to the emergency department with nonspecific recurrent chest and abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan showed a large posterolateral diaphragmatic defect and an oversized spleen. The hernia was repaired by a thoracoabdominal approach and Gore-Tex patch. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are rare and are associated with nonspecific symptoms in adults. With suspicious chest or abdominal radiographs, a computed tomography scan is essential to plan an individualized surgical intervention.