Congenital Eventration of Diaphragm Presenting in Adults: A Rare Clinical Scenario

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Eventration of diaphragm (ED) is defined as abnormal elevation of hemi-diaphragm. It may have congenital or acquired cause. Diaphragmatic eventration is rare and has incidence of <0.05%, being more common in males.  A rare case of congenital diaphragmatic eventration is presented here. A 42 years old male presented with history of intermittent dyspnea and occasional epigastric discomfort. On routine physical examination, bowel sounds and decreased breath sounds were audible in left infra-axillary and left infra-scapular areas. Imaging modalities showed elevation of diaphragm, which was confirmed on CT Scan. We used thoracotomy approach for plication. Post-operatively patient suffered from left lung atelectasis for which the patient was managed conservatively. Patient was discharged after 1 week of hospital stay after having significant functional improvement.