Background

The diaphragm is a modified half-dome of musculofibrous tissue that separates the thorax from the abdomen [1–3]. Diaphragmatic hernia is a general term used to indicate protrusion of abdominal viscera into the chest cavity through communication, which is congenital or acquired [4]. The congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is classified according to the location of the protrusion, including in hiatal hernia, Morgagni-Larrey hernia and Bochdaleck hernia [5].

The Bochdaleck hernias are the result of inadequate obliteration of the lumbar elements in the pleuroperitoneal area, during the eighth and tenth week of intrauterine development [6]. This pathological condition was first described by Bochdaleck in 1848 and it is usually presents in childhood with an incidence ranging from 1:4000 to 1:7000 newborns [7]. It is rarely seen in adults, with little more than 100 cases reported in the literature [8].

The literature focused on the identification of factors useful for predicting poor outcome in fetuses and neonates with CDH. Previously, some researchers suggested the merit of pulmonary artery–based measurements, whereas the predictive value of observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio was extensively discussed during the past decade [9, 10]. In contrast, liver position has gained wide acceptance as an excellent prognostic factor and is considered by many to be the best prenatal predictor of outcome [11, 12].

When diagnosed in a newborn, congenital diaphragmatic hernias are frequently associated with significant respiratory distress and mortality [13]. Also, delay in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernias may result in increased morbidity. Intestinal strangulation in late-presenting, left Bochdalek congenital hernia was reported in previous investigations [14, 15]. Taken together, our case report and the literature highlight the importance of obtaining and accurately interpreting a chest radiograph in children with unexplained respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, once the diagnoses were made, repair should be undertaken expeditiously, before complications development.

In 85-90% of cases the protrusion occurs in the left hemithorax, probably by early closure of the right pleuroperitoneal opening [16]. Moreover, the CDH is the most common diaphragmatic hernia, occurring in 90% of cases and is associated with a high neonatal mortality ranging from 40 to 80% of cases [17]. In this study we reported a case of CDH in a child.

Case report

We investigated a male patient, born at term by vaginal delivery with difficult extraction, weighing 3575 g, with Apgar score 3/7 in the first and fifth minutes of life, which required positive pressure ventilation (PPV) at birth. The parents signed a consent letter that allowed the authors to publish this case report. His mother did not make complete prenatal care and has no ultrasonographic examination of the current pregnancy.

The newborn was born well and evolved with sudden respiratory distress, requiring ventilation. The newborn should be examined for murmurs, to be conducted as a congenital and/or abdomen dug present for diaphragmatic hernia, being intubated immediately once he presents any clinical diagnostic. Approximately twenty minutes after birth, the newborn had a sudden respiratory dysfunction evolved into a prolonged cardiac arrest. The newborn was intubated and received cardiac massage and resuscitation. He was then taken to the Intensive Care Unit and carried out a chest radiograph, which showed atelectasis of the right lung and left diaphragmatic hernia. He developed acute renal failure and was not in condition to perform peritoneal dialysis, as well as surgical correction of the hernia. He died in the second day of life.

Blood tests were collected during ICU admission, however, it was not ready on time. The patient died before we perform analysis. We also performed other examinations such as examination without contrast and Simple acute abdomen X-ray. Echocardiography was done by initial suspicion of congenital heart disease, discarding the diagnostic. We found no clinical relevant findings related to cardiac dysfunction, since the values regarding ejection fraction, diastolic and systolic function was considered in the physiological standards. Thus, it was requested the acute abdomen X-ray.

According to Figure  1, we observe small bowel in the chest through a posterolateral hole, shifting the mediastinum to the right. It is also possible to observe in this Figure the presence of a tube on the right lower hemithorax when the newborn was at supine position, this tube was necessary to remove pus from the intrathoracic space due to the inflammation mechanism in the area.

Figure 1
figure 1

X-ray indicating diaphragmatic Bochdaleck.

Full size image

Discussion

Through the diaphragmatic defect of the Bochdaleck hernia, abdominal organs (intestines, spleen, stomach, kidney) may migrate into the pleural cavity, compressing the lung and displacing the mediastinum to the opposite side [18]. Depending on the degree of pulmonary compression, there may be a marked decrease of the pulmonary branches, limited multiplication of alveoli, and muscle hypertrophy in pulmonary arterioles, leading to a decreased functional lung mass (pulmonary hypoplasia), involving both lungs with the ipsilateral lung more affected. These newborns are anatomically predisposed to develop Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension, maintaining the permanence of the fetal circulation to the lungs with blood moved through the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus. The right-left shunt causes acidosis and hypoxia, increased pulmonary vasoconstriction and worsening pulmonary hypertension. It may lead to decreased lung compliance [19].

The clinical profile of respiratory distress reported in our case may progress to severe respiratory distress and lung failure. During physical examination it may be seen excavated abdomen, displaced heart sounds, respiratory failure and bowel sounds in the chest. During the radiography we noted a hemithorax filled cyst-like structures (bowel), mediastinum and abdomen relatively free of gas. We should mention the importance of the differential diagnosis with cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung and pneumonia [20].

Treatment in severe cases and prenatal diagnosis is recommended an immediate oxygenation. When it is observed an inadequate prenatal, the morphologic ultrasound examination is the best used during prenatal period. Moreover, once the diaphragmatic hernia diagnostic is done, the newborn should be immediately intubated, in order to perform immediate decompression of the chest with abdominal straps, preventing pulmonary hypertension. All newborns should be immediately intubated after birth or at diagnosis, with the introduction of a nasogastric tube on continuous suction. We should be careful with assisted ventilation in order to maintain a low inspiratory pressure, to avoid damage or breakage of the contralateral lung. Surgical repair should be performed only after stabilization, through subcostal laparotomy with reduction of hernial contents into the abdominal cavity and closure of the diaphragmatic defect. The binomial hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension remain a major mortality factor [21].

According to our case report, we believe that it is helpful in terms of providing neonatologists, surgeons and maternal-fetal medicine specialists with realistic prognostic information for counseling families. Nonetheless, several cautions are worth noting. Furthermore, it was recently established a multidisciplinary CDH clinic that was composed by specialists from a variety of areas, including pediatric general surgery, pulmonary, cardiology and nutrition [22]. This clinic allows us to make a more in-depth evaluation of the CDH and it certainly allows for better follow-up of children with this disease in a prospective mode.

Our study presents a point that should be addressed, although the newborn underwent invasive ventilation, our tool was not able to process the data regarding blood gas analysis. It is because the time was not enough for the results to be read due to the premature death of the newborn, since the premature newborn did not survived two entire days.

Conclusion

The diagnosis in the pre-natal period induces to a better prognosis, since the birth in a center well equipped will made necessary interventions, minimizing neonatal complications and, thus, optimizing the chances of survival. The clinical importance overlaps the X ray in case of no diagnosis with prenatal care, it is very important for physicians to be alert for signs that show a possible case of diaphragmatic hernia.