Hernia, Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

See Hernia

• More commonly seen possibly due to longer survival
• Sometimes associated with cardiac abnormalities, malformations of sternum, costochondral junctions or umbilical hernia
• Sometimes present with respiratory difficulty, failure to thrive, vomiting

Represents an embryological malformation of the ventral midline with communication to varying degress of the pericardial sac and the peritoneal cavity. Often associated with other malformations for example sternal deformities and ventricular septal defects. Usually results in gastrointestinal or respiratory signs. Visible radiologically as a round cardiac silhouette which merges with the diaphragm. The trachea will be displaced dorsally. Intestines may be visible on radiographs. Repaired surgically.