Strangulated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia of Bochdalek Diagnosed in Late Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an unusual condition in the adult population because it is mostly a neonatal diagnosis. This entity may be triggered by pregnancy and threaten the life of the mother and her fetus.

Case: This report presents the case of a maternal diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed at 35 weeks of pregnancy with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Patient developed respiratory distress, and a radiograph revealed left lung collapse. A chest tube was inserted for a presumed tension pneumothorax. The patient's condition deteriorated, and a diaphragmatic hernia containing the stomach, transverse colon, and small bowel was diagnosed. The patient underwent laparotomy with Caesarean section, hernia reduction, and diaphragmatic repair.

Conclusion: A high degree of suspicion is required to avoid misdiagnosis and management delay. Surgical treatment must be individualized according to gestational age and clinical setting.

Keywords: Bochdalek; Diaphragmatic hernia; abdominal repair; complication of pregnancy.