Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect of the diaphragm in which the abdominal structures enter the thorax. The most common type is one in which a diaphragmatic opening on the posterior left side (usually) allows abdominal contents to protrude into the thorax. This compresses and deforms the lung on the affected side; most neonates with the condition have cyanosis and respiratory distress at birth. Diagnosis is by a chest X-ray showing intestinal loops in the thorax. Treatment is surgery with diaphragmatic closure.