Delayed Presentation of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in the Emergency Department: Case Report

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an embryological defect of the diaphragm that typically presents in the neonatal period with respiratory distress. However, delayed presentations do occur rarely and can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

We describe the case of a 9-month-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with respiratory distress and was subsequently diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

This case underscores the importance of considering CDH in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting to the ED with unexplained respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, even beyond the neonatal period.