Focal eventration of the diaphragm with transthoracic kidney is a very rare condition. It is usually asymptomatic and often revealed as an incidental finding on imaging studies. We presented a case of previously undiagnosed focal eventration of left hemidiaphragm with transthoracic left kidney confused with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Differentiation of these two conditions is important as each were managed differently. A traumatic diaphragmatic hernia needs early surgical intervention whereas no treatment was required for focal diaphragmatic eventration in most cases. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the findings in this case and the patient was managed conservatively.
Focal eventration involving the posterior segment of the
hemidiaphragm is a rare congenital anomaly. We report of a 10-
day-old infant who presented with significant respiratory
insufficiency and failure to show any responses to standard
treatment. The diagnosis of focal eventration of the diaphragm
was not anticipated until ultrasonographic examination revealed
the defect. Diaphragmatic plication resulted in complete
resolution of symptoms. A high level clinical awareness is
crucial as a relatively simple surgical procedure could avert long
term life-threatening complications.
Eventration of the diaphragm is caused by weakened musculature of the diaphragm. This can occur in one or
both hemidiaphragms. Symptoms may be minimal and it is usually detected incidentally on chest radiograph
which would show an elevation of the diaphragm. We report and discuss a case of eventration of right
diaphragm in a patient presented with a lobulated lung mass on chest radiograph.