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
We report three cases of ectopic thoracic (or superior ectopic) kidney; one in a neonate and two in 6-month-old children, associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In all cases the diagnosis was made during surgery and confirmed by intravenous pyelography, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the postoperative period. Because of the rarity of this condition we report these cases together with a wide review of the published reports.
