A rare cause of a cavitary lung lesion in an infant

Sarah Macios Tesoriero1, Elissa Gross

  • 1Sarah Macios Tesoriero and Elissa Gross practice pediatric hospital medicine at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in Bronx, N.Y. Dr. Gross also is an assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, N.Y. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Insights

Paraesophageal hernias are rare in children, presenting either congenitally or acquired after surgery or trauma. Early surgical repair is recommended to prevent serious complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Paraesophageal hernias are uncommon in pediatric populations.
  • These hernias can be congenital or acquired, with acquired cases often linked to prior anti-gastroesophageal reflux surgery or trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the rarity and potential complications of paraesophageal hernias in children.
  • To emphasize the importance of timely surgical intervention for pediatric paraesophageal hernias.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric paraesophageal hernias.
  • Analysis of case reports and clinical data regarding etiology and management.

Main Results:

  • Paraesophageal hernias in children are infrequent but carry significant risks.
  • Acquired hernias are frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease treatments or trauma.

Conclusions:

  • Elective surgical repair of paraesophageal hernias in children is advised upon diagnosis.
  • Prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate the risk of life-threatening complications in pediatric patients.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
2.3K
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
1.1K
Breathing01:05

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
61.9K
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
4.2K
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
222
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
462