Incidentally Detected Morgagni Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition caused by a congenital defect in the diaphragm, leading to the protrusion of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. It can be isolated (in 40% of cases) or associated with other malformations. In 85% of cases, it is located postero-laterally (Bochdalek hernia), and less commonly antero-laterally (Morgagni and Larrey hernias). We report the case of a patient presenting a Morgagni hernia, which is a rare hernia that accounts for 1 to 6% of diaphragmatic hernias, and is usually asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally. We present the case of an infant born from a well-monitored pregnancy, delivered vaginally, with a normal birth weight of 3200 grams and a normal Apgar score, and no neonatal respiratory distress. The infant was discharged after 24 hours and remained in good health. At 6 months of age, the infant presented with acute viral bronchiolitis, and an incidental discovery of an antero-lateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia was made through a chest X-ray. The patient was stabilized and referred to the pediatric surgery department for management after successful treatment of the bronchiolitis.