Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in a 2-Month Old Infant: A case report

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in young infants is easily misdiagnosed as bronchopneumonia yet survival of such patients lies in prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment. The report aimed to increase awareness among Paediatricians and Paediatric Surgeons of the need for high index of suspicion for this condition to allow for early diagnosis and management. A two-month old infant presented with a five-week history of cough of sudden onset and a week history of difficulty in breathing. He had been managed in several hospitals for bronchopneumonia. Examination findings showed features of respiratory distress, widespread coarse crepitations and bowel sounds in the lung fields. Chest radiograph showed `loops of bowel in the mediastinum. He had surgical reduction and repair of the hernia, made excellent recovery post-op and was discharged home. CDH is an uncommon anomaly but a high index of suspicion will allow early diagnosis and treatment with favourable outcome when picked early.