Pre- and neonatal imaging of gastrointestinal complications in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Fetal Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe condition primarily linked to lung hypoplasia.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) anomalies frequently coexist with CDH, significantly affecting patient prognosis and quality of life.
• Intrathoracic displacement of abdominal organs in CDH can lead to vascular complications like congestion and ischemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the imaging findings of common gastrointestinal complications in fetuses and infants with CDH.
• To highlight the importance of prenatal imaging in identifying these associated GI pathologies.
• To provide a pictorial overview for clinicians managing CDH cases.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging studies (prenatal and neonatal) in infants diagnosed with CDH.
• Focus on characteristic imaging features of gastrointestinal anomalies and complications.
• Pictorial essay format illustrating key findings.

Main Results:

• Prenatal and neonatal imaging studies reveal various gastrointestinal anomalies in CDH patients.
• Imaging can demonstrate organ displacement, vascular axis distortion, and signs of congestion/ischemia.
• Specific patterns of GI pathology are frequently observed in conjunction with CDH.

Conclusions:

• Gastrointestinal complications are critical determinants of outcome in CDH beyond lung hypoplasia.
• Prenatal imaging plays a vital role in the early detection and characterization of these associated GI issues.
• Recognizing these imaging findings is essential for comprehensive management and improved patient care.