Bochdalek hernia in pregnancy complicated with eclampsia: a case report

Asympthomatic Bochdalek hernia (BH) is extremely rare in pregnant women. Here, we present a 23-year-old pregnant woman admitted to the hospital with a first pregnancy at 38 gestational weeks and a medical history of hypertensive disorders.

During hospitalization, she developed an eclamptic attack, and an emergency cesarean section was performed. After the operation, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of her poor general condition. At the ICU, she was subjected to multidisciplinary treatment. During the diagnostic protocols, a prolapse of the abdominal organs into the left chest cavity was noted, with atelectasis of the left lung and contralateral compression of the mediastinum. The thoracic surgeon performed the thoracoscopic surgical procedure. During the postoperative course, the patient was cardiorespiratory stable. However, due to neurological problems, the patient was transferred to the Department of Neurology where the diagnosis was made - syndrome of posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES).

Although maternal Bochdalek hernias are uncommon, timely diagnosis and coordinated multidisciplinary management are critical to optimizing both maternal and fetal health.