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Cureus Jun 2024Hiatal hernias, characterized by the protrusion of internal organs through the diaphragmatic hiatus, are commonly seen in the elderly age group. While surgical...
Hiatal hernias, characterized by the protrusion of internal organs through the diaphragmatic hiatus, are commonly seen in the elderly age group. While surgical management remains debatable for asymptomatic cases, emergent complications necessitate prompt intervention. Here, we present a case of a 69-year-old female with a history of diaphragmatic hernia, who developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to acute pleural effusion caused by paraesophageal hernia rupture. Despite initial inconclusive imaging, a CT scan revealed the severity, prompting emergent management. The patient underwent esophageal stent placement, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery-assisted total lung decortication, and three chest tubes placement, followed by antimicrobial therapy. Favorable outcomes were achieved with multidisciplinary intervention, highlighting the importance of timely recognition and comprehensive diagnostic approaches. This case underscores the potential severity of hiatal hernias, particularly paraesophageal types, necessitating vigilance among clinicians for timely intervention. It also emphasizes the effectiveness of combined surgical and medical multidisciplinary approaches in such emergent situations for optimal patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38827418
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61518 -
Cureus May 2024Although the exact incidence of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is unknown, it can carry significant morbidity if not treated promptly. TDH is thought to be more...
Although the exact incidence of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is unknown, it can carry significant morbidity if not treated promptly. TDH is thought to be more common in penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma compared to blunt trauma. The left side is thought to be more commonly affected than the right due to the protective effects of the liver on the right hemidiaphragm in trauma. Although large defects are evident on CT imaging and the detection rate is improved with higher resolution CT scanners, smaller ruptures may require laparoscopy for definitive diagnosis if there is a high index of suspicion. In this case report, we present a case of a missed left TDH on CT imaging, with eventual herniation of the omentum and stomach. Although TDH traditionally is approached via thoracotomy or laparotomy, we demonstrate that a transabdominal minimally invasive approach with robot-assisted laparoscopic repair is a viable option, with the potential to reduce the morbidities associated with the open approach.
PubMed: 38826886
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59450 -
BMC Pediatrics Jun 2024
PubMed: 38824523
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04863-3 -
The Journal of Pediatrics May 2024To describe the typical clinical course of reversible persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) from perinatal etiologies and compare that with the...
OBJECTIVES
To describe the typical clinical course of reversible persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) from perinatal etiologies and compare that with the clinical course of PPHN due to underlying fetal developmental etiologies.
STUDY DESIGN
This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of liveborn newborns either born or transferred to our facility for higher level of care between 2015 and 2020 with gestational age ≥35 weeks and a clinical diagnosis of PPHN in the electronic health record. Newborns with complex congenital heart disease and congenital diaphragmatic hernia were excluded. Using all data available at time of collection, newborns were stratified into 2 groups by PPHN etiology - perinatal and fetal developmental causes. Primary outcomes were age at initiation, discontinuation, and total duration of extracorporeal life support, mechanical ventilation, supplemental oxygen, inhaled nitric oxide, inotropic support, and prostaglandin E1. Our secondary outcome was age at echocardiographic resolution of pulmonary hypertension. Groups were compared by t-test. Time-to-event Kaplan Meier curves described and compared (log-rank test) discontinuation of each therapy.
RESULTS
Sixty-four (72%) newborns had perinatal etiologies whereas 24 (28%) had fetal developmental etiologies. The resolution of perinatal PPHN was more rapid compared with fetal developmental PPHN. By 10 days of age, more neonates were off inotropes (98% vs 29%, P < .01), decannulated from extracorporeal life support (100% vs 0%, P < .01), extubated (75% vs 37%, P < .01), and had echocardiographic resolution of PH (35% vs 7%, P = .02).
CONCLUSIONS
An atypical PPHN course, characterized by persistent targeted therapies in the second week of life, warrants further work-up for fetal developmental causes.
PubMed: 38823627
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114131 -
Journal of Community Genetics Jun 2024Congenital anomalies (CA) encompass all morphological or functional alterations originating prenatally and present at birth. The prenatal diagnosis of these anomalies...
Prevalence of congenital anomalies and prenatal diagnosis by birth institution (public vs. non-public): indicators of inequality in access to elective termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies.
Congenital anomalies (CA) encompass all morphological or functional alterations originating prenatally and present at birth. The prenatal diagnosis of these anomalies can significantly impact the overall health of the pregnant individual and may influence her decision regarding the continuation of the pregnancy. In contexts where safe pregnancy termination is not guaranteed by the state, it can lead to unsafe procedures with severe consequences. In our research, we analyzed epidemiological information on CA to develop potential indicators of inequity in access to safe abortion prior to the legalization of legal termination of pregnancy in Argentina. We included cases from 13 public hospitals and 9 non-public subsector hospitals, from the period 2013-2020. Two groups of specific CA were selected: 1) CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed, and 2) CA related to vascular disruptive events. 10/18 of the selected CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed had a significantly higher prevalence in public hospitals (anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, holoprosencephaly, hydranencephaly, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, bilateral renal agenesis). Non public hospitals had higher prenatal detection. Birth prevalence of CA related with vascular disruptive events (limb reduction, Moebius syndrome, amniotic band sequence) were significantly higher in public hospitals. These results suggest disparities in access to prenatal diagnosis and safe abortion based on socioeconomic status. There was a significant gap in access to prenatal diagnosis for CA and possibly to safe elective abortion depending on the type of institution (public vs. non-public).
PubMed: 38822971
DOI: 10.1007/s12687-024-00714-x -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... May 2024Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) associated with hydrops is rare. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of this combination of anomalies and the...
OBJECTIVE
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) associated with hydrops is rare. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of this combination of anomalies and the postnatal outcomes from a large database for CDH.
STUDY DESIGN
Data from the multicenter, multinational database on infants with prenatally diagnosed CDH (CDHSG Registry) born from 2015 to 2021 were analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 3985 patients were entered in the registry during the study period, 3156 were prenatally diagnosed and 88 were reported to have associated fluid in at least 1 compartment, representing 2.8% of all prenatally diagnosed CDH cases in the registry. The overall survival to discharge for CDH patients with hydrops was 43%. The hydropic CDH group had lower birth weight and gestational age at birth, and increased incidence of right-sided CDH (55%), and rate of non-repair (45%). However, the survival rate for hydropic infants with CDH undergoing surgical repair was 80%. Other associated anomalies were more common in hydropic CDH (50% vs 37%, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Hydropic CDH is rare, only 2.8% of all prenatally diagnosed cases, and more commonly occurring in right-sided CDH. Survival rates are low, with higher rates of non-repair. However, decision-making regarding goals of care and an aggressive surgical approach in selected cases may result in survival rates comparable to non-hydropic cases.
PubMed: 38816581
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02010-5 -
Pediatric Research May 2024The pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) depends on multiple factors. Activation of the DNA-sensing cyclic-GMP-AMP-synthase (cGAS) and...
BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) depends on multiple factors. Activation of the DNA-sensing cyclic-GMP-AMP-synthase (cGAS) and Stimulator-of-Interferon-Genes (STING) pathway by double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) links environmental stimuli and inflammation. We hypothesized that nitrofen exposure alters cGAS and STING in human bronchial epithelial cells and fetal rat lungs.
METHODS
We used the Quant-IT™-PicoGreen™ assay to assess dsDNA concentration in BEAS-2B cells after 24 h of nitrofen-exposure and performed immunofluorescence of cGAS/STING. We used nitrofen to induce CDH and harvested control and CDH lungs at embryonic day E15, E18 and E21 for cGAS/STING immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR and RNA-Scope™ in-situ-hybridization (E18, E21).
RESULTS
We found a higher concentration of dsDNA following nitrofen treatment. Nitrofen-exposure to BEAS-2B cells increased cGAS and STING protein abundance. cGAS abundance was higher in nitrofen lungs at E15, E18 and E21. RNA-Scope in-situ-hybridization showed higher cGAS and STING expression in E18 and E21 lungs. RT-qPCR revealed higher mRNA expression levels of STING in E21 nitrofen-induced lungs.
CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that nitrofen-exposure increases dsDNA content which leads to stimulation of the cGAS/STING pathway in human BEAS-2B cells and the nitrofen rat model of CDH. Consequently, DNA sensing and the cGAS-STING-pathway potentially contribute to abnormal lung development in CDH.
IMPACT STATEMENT
We found an alteration of DNA sensing targets cGAS and STING in human BEAS-2B cells and experimental congenital diaphragmatic hernia with higher protein abundance and mRNA expression in cells and lung sections of nitrofen-treated rat pups. This is the first study to investigate DNA sensing, a potential link between environmental stimuli and inflammation, in experimental CDH. Our study extends the knowledge on the pathogenesis of experimental CDH.
PubMed: 38816442
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03277-2 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (BPFM) is an uncommon condition, with few case reports documented in both national and international literature. This scarcity...
BACKGROUND
Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (BPFM) is an uncommon condition, with few case reports documented in both national and international literature. This scarcity underscores the importance of utilizing effective imaging techniques to improve our understanding and diagnostic precision concerning this disorder.
CASE DESCRIPTION
In the first case report, a neonate, born at full term and aged 15 days, presented with symptoms including dyspnea, coughing, wheezing, cyanosis, and vomiting. Initial diagnostic evaluations, which included chest radiography and upper gastrointestinal tract radiography, led to an erroneous initial diagnosis of a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia, accompanied by a suspicion of infection. In the second case report, another neonate, also born at full term but aged 5 days, exhibited symptoms such as coughing, choking, and mild vomiting. Utilizing a combination of computed tomography (CT) scans (plain, enhanced, and reconstructed), chest x-ray, and upper gastrointestinal tract radiography, the diagnosis of BPFM was accurately determined.
CONCLUSION
Comprehensive imaging examinations play a crucial role in reducing misdiagnosis and diagnostic oversights in cases of BPFM. Given its rarity, BPFM often manifests as a sequestered lung accompanied by gastrointestinal abnormalities. Hence, the integration of CT scans with gastrointestinal tract radiography can substantially improve diagnostic precision in such cases.
PubMed: 38813545
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1400124 -
Cureus Apr 2024Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO), particularly in the absence of trauma. This rarity can pose a diagnostic challenge,...
Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO), particularly in the absence of trauma. This rarity can pose a diagnostic challenge, leading to significant delays in treatment and increased morbidity. We report a case of a 79-year-old male patient who presented with acute signs of small bowel obstruction. The patient had no reported history of trauma. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a diaphragmatic hernia causing small bowel obstruction. The patient underwent an initial laparoscopy, which was converted to laparotomy, small bowel resection, and subsequent hernia repair. The patient made a good recovery, and two weeks after his initial presentation, he was discharged home. This case highlights the importance of considering diaphragmatic hernia in differential diagnosis for small bowel obstruction, even in the absence of trauma.
PubMed: 38813327
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59279 -
Journal of Robotic Surgery May 2024Emergency treatment of paraesophageal hernias can be carried out through laparotomy or minimally invasive approaches, however, evidence in this regard is weak. The aim...
Emergency treatment of paraesophageal hernias can be carried out through laparotomy or minimally invasive approaches, however, evidence in this regard is weak. The aim of our study was to assess safety and feasibility of the robotic-assisted treatment of paraesophageal hernias in the emergency setting. At the Bellinzona e Valli Regional Hospital, Switzerland, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients operated on from January 2020 to January 2024 with robotic surgery for emergency presentation of paraesophageal hernias. Demographic and clinical details, operative techniques, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Out of 82 patients who underwent robotic-assisted paraesophageal hernia repair, 17 were treated in the emergency setting. Median age was 79 years (IQR 77-85), 3 (17.6%) patients were male, and median BMI was 23.9 kg/m (IQR 21.0-26.0). Most frequent presentation symptoms were pain (100%), regurgitation (88.2%), and dyspnea (17.6%). No intraoperative complication, conversion to open surgery or stomach resections were recorded. Two complications of grade 3 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and one of grade 2 occurred; all were successfully treated until resolution. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 5-16). After a mean follow-up of 15.9 months (IQR 6.5-25.6) only two small axial asymptomatic recurrences that required no treatment. Despite limitations, our study demonstrated a very low rate of intra- and postoperative complications, likely supporting the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted treatment for paraesophageal hernias in emergency settings. Larger studies with a control arm are needed to validate our initial findings.
Topics: Humans; Hernia, Hiatal; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Male; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Herniorrhaphy; Feasibility Studies; Treatment Outcome; Length of Stay; Postoperative Complications; Emergencies
PubMed: 38809354
DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-01975-x