International Journal of Clinical & Medical Images

Clinical Image

Bochdalek Hernia (BH) is a form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, arises due to a defect of fusion of the diaphragmatic folds involving the posterolateral region most often on the left, unlike the Morgagni hernia type which arise anteriorly. The BH is seen in approximately 1 in 2500 live births. In 1848 Vincent Alexander Bochdalek described for the first time a form of herniation in the posterolateral region of the diaphragm. The BH is usually evident during the neonatal period with acute onset of respiratory distress. Unlike the elderly, it may be asymptomatic or responsible for specific symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal symptoms. Chest x-ray can mimic a pneumothorax or pleural effusion, while multiplanar CT or MRI can better detect the small and asymptomatic diaphgmatic defects in adults. The treatment is surgical by thoracotomy or laparotomy; it can be performed days to years later depending on the patient’s condition (Figure 1). Keywords: Bochdalek hernia; Chest X-ray