RESUMO
Background: Diaphragmatic hernia is migration of abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity through a defect in the diaphragm. In children, it is mostly congenital; traumatic diaphragmatic hernia being less common. This study aimed to review our experience with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) and to identify the clinical findings and diagnostic modality that may help in early diagnosis and prompt therapy. Methods: The study involved 11 children (1–18 years old) with TDR who were hospitalised between 1993 and 2005. In addition to clinical examination, a plain X-ray of the chest and abdomen, an ultrasound, barium studies, and a computerised tomography (CT) scan were used to evaluate the patients. Results: All of the diaphragmatic ruptures occurred on the left side, with 10 occurring in the posterolateral part and 1 near the oesophageal hiatus. Two of our patients presented 7 and 10 days after the injury, and 1 patient presented 1 year after the trauma. Conclusion: TDR should remain a diagnostic possibility in children. These patients are best assessed using a CT scan. New research on stem cells and tissue-engineered bioprosthetics may pave the path for better future therapies in these cases.
RESUMO
Objective@#To describe a rare case of lipofibromatosis presenting as a head and neck mass in a 6-year-old child.@*Method@#Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Public General Hospital Patient: One @*Result@#A six-year-old male child admitted with a large right head and neck region mass underwent complete excision of a possible soft tissue neoplasm following investigations which included Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography. Histopathological examination yielded lipofibromatosis, a very rare lesion with a distinctive fibrofatty pattern. The patient was well with no recurrence after three months of follow up.@*Conclusion@#Although lipofibromatosis is a rare lesion in children and has a predilection for distal extremities, it may also present as a mass in the head and neck area. Complete surgical excision is feasible and is the only treatment option available for this rare lesion