Diagnostic pitfalls in congenital right diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare disease of newborns. Right-sided diaphragmatic hernia is even rarer. The clinical and radiological presentations, which are well documented in left-sided diaphragmatic hernia, are variable in right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. This makes the diagnosis of right-sided diaphragmatic hernia more difficult. During a 12-year period, seven cases of right-sided diaphragmatic hernia were collected from a single institution. Their presentations and clinical courses have been reviewed. Low prenatal diagnostic rate, various roentgenogram expressions after birth, and absence of specific clinical presentations were noted. These expressions may become pitfalls in diagnosis and lead to inappropriate treatment. From our experience in these 7 cases and a brief literature review, we try to emphasize the characteristics and the diagnostic pitfalls of this disease. In conclusion, right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia has a variable clinical spectrum with high mortality and morbidity. Careful evaluation of the clinical presentations, ultrasonography and chest films is mandatory for precise diagnosis.