Publication:

Adult presentation of congenital Bochdalek hernia: a rare case report

Bochdalek hernia is a congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic defect that typically presents in neonates with respiratory distress. Adult presentation is extremely rare and often diagnosed incidentally or when complications occur. We report a case of a 68-year-old male who presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging revealed a left posterolateral diaphragmatic defect with herniation of stomach, spleen and transverse colon into the thoracic cavity. The patient underwent successful surgical repair with reduction of herniated viscera including spleen for which splenectomy done with closure of the diaphragmatic defect. This case highlights the importance of considering congenital diaphragmatic hernia in adults presenting with unexplained thoraco-abdominal symptoms.