A Rare Case of Thoracoschisis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Abnormalities
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Congenital chest wall masses are rare in newborns.
• Differentiating between various chest wall lesions requires accurate diagnostic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of a congenital liver herniation through the chest wall in a neonate.
• To highlight the diagnostic and surgical management of this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation of a term male infant with a left-sided chest wall mass.
• Radiological imaging (e.g., CT, MRI) to determine the mass origin and relationship to internal organs.
• Diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm intra-abdominal connection and diaphragmatic integrity.
• Surgical excision of the mass using electrocautery.

Main Results:

• A 3 cm beefy-red mass was observed protruding from the left chest wall.
• Imaging suggested the mass originated from the left lateral liver segment.
• Laparoscopy confirmed an isolated liver connection, elevated left hemidiaphragm, and protrusion between ribs.
• Pathologic examination revealed the excised mass was normal liver tissue.

Conclusions:

• Congenital hepatic herniation through the chest wall is a rare but treatable condition.
• Multimodal diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques are crucial for successful management.
• Complete excision of the herniated liver tissue is curative.