A diaphragmatic hernia is a defect in the diaphragm that allows abdominal organs, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, or spleen, to move up into the chest cavity. This condition can be congenital, occurring during fetal development when the diaphragm fails to close completely, or acquired from trauma or surgery. On prenatal ultrasound, a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is typically detected when abdominal organs are seen within the fetal chest, the heart is displaced to the opposite side, and the normal stomach bubble is absent from the abdomen. This is a serious finding because the herniated organs can prevent the fetal lungs from developing properly, and early detection allows for delivery planning at a center with neonatal surgical capabilities.
Sonography Term