Image Based Question – 74409

The following diagram depicts the various parts from which the diaphragm develops. Defects in which part most commonly lead to congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Correct Answer » D Explanation

Ans: D. D

(Ref Gray’s 40/e p1015; Langman’ll/ep161)

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is most frequently caused by failure of one or both of the pleuroperitoneal membranes (D) to close the pericardioperitoneal canals.
• As a result, abdominal contents herniate through the resultant defect in the posterolateral diaphragm & compress the ipsilateral developing lung.
• Posterolateral location of this hernia is known as Bochdalek hernia and is distinguished from the congenital hernia of the anteromedial, retrosternal diaphragm, which is known as Morgagni hernia.