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Intrathoracic kidneys are rare and are often only diagnosed incidentally. The literature on intrathoracic kidneys in children and adults is reviewed and discussed, focusing on diagnostic procedures and surgical therapy. Additionally, the case of a 35-year-old woman with a relapse of a left-sided intrathoracic kidney after pregnancy is reported. Diagnostic procedures and the surgical management are discussed.

We describe a 71-year-old woman with a hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RF) with a single internally cooled electrode under computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopic guidance. Nine months after the procedure, CT images showed herniation of the large intestine into the right pleural cavity. To our knowledge this complication of RF performed with a single internally cooled electrode under CT guidance has not been previously reported.

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a serious, complex condition with high mortality. It is actually mostly diagnosed prenatally. In most cases, it presents in the neonatal period, but can rarely present later in life when it becomes symptomatic. The clinical presentation and prognosis depend on the time of visceral herniation. We report two cases of left Bochdalek hernia with delayed presentation. The two cases shared some important characteristics. In both patients, the asymptomatic period ended with an acute attack of disease. To initiate appropriate therapy, emergency doctors need to be aware of the various presentations of a delayed left-sided diaphragmatic hernia.

We report two cases of pentalogy of Cantrell diagnosed in utero using a combination of fetal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The cardiac component consisted of tetralogy of Fallot in the first fetus and ventricular septal defect in the second fetus. Whereas fetal echocardiography allowed accurate delineation of the cardiac anatomy, prenatal magnetic resonance imaging allowed clearer delineation of the extent of the thoracic and abdominal wall defects. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with prenatal echocardiography allows optimal assessment of the fetus with ectopia cordis, which has significant implications from the standpoint of preoperative planning and providing prognostic information. This report represents the first description of applying magnetic resonance imaging in combination with echocardiography toward a better understanding of this clinical entity in the fetus.

We describe a case of acute dyspnea in a patient with Marfan syndrome secondary to bowel herniation into the thoracic cavity.

A case of congenital, bilateral, diaphragmatic hernia in a patient with multiple trauma after a motor accident is presented. No anamnestic information was available because of the need for intubation at the accident site. After the insertion of bilateral chest tubes because of left sided pneumothorax and right sided haematopneumothorax a mediastinal mass became apparent. A CT scan revealed a bilateral diaphragmatic hernia. Problems and therapy of this condition as well as differentiation between congenital and traumatic hernias are discussed in this case report. A mediastinal mass of unknown origin in multiple trauma patients suggests the presence of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Diagnostic signs suggesting congenital hernia as compared to acute traumatic hernia are: unilateral or bilateral localisation in the dorsal muscular part of the diaphragm and non-suspicious appearance of parenchymal abdominal organs in relation to the size of the hernia. Diaphragmatic hernias reduce the vital and functional residual capacity of the lungs, possibly leading to respiratory complications and infections.

Cardiopulmonary physiology was assessed by Doppler echocardiography in neonates undergoing pre-ECMO evaluation for meconium aspiration syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, persistent fetal circulation, and sepsis, from March 1987 through July 1992 (n = 136). Percent survival by diagnosis was: meconium aspiration syndrome, 86%; persistent fetal circulation, 68%; congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 63%; sepsis, 33%. Survival odds by diagnosis predicted a better outcome for meconium aspiration syndrome than for congenital diaphragmatic hernia and sepsis, and a better outcome for persistent fetal circulation than for sepsis. Percent survival for right-to-left patent ductus arteriosus flow (PDA) was 56%; other patent ductus arteriosus flow was 84%. In multivariate analysis, percent survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia and persistent fetal circulation patients with right-to-left PDA flow suggested a worse outcome (% survival right-to-left vs other: congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 13% vs 70%; persistent fetal circulation, 25% vs 85%), whereas percent survival did not appear to suggest the same in meconium aspiration syndrome or sepsis patients. Similar analysis in non-ECMO patients suggested a worse outcome with right-to-left PDA flow in patients with meconium aspiration syndrome and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Right-to-left PDA flow, sepsis, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia were associated with a poorer ECMO outcome. Initial assessment of PDA flow helps predict ECMO outcome.

We describe two cases of iatrogenic adult diaphragmatic hernias with incarceration which occurred postoperatively and led to an acute abdomen. The pathogenesis, clinical findings, the often challenging diagnostics and the therapeutic management of this rare condition are discussed.

We report the case of a 53-year-old male patient with a colonic obstruction caused by a Bochdalek hernia. We discuss the diagnostic strategy and therapy.

Between November 1986 and April 1993, 22 cases of intrathoracic abnormality were detected prenatally by ultrasound, and examined postnatally. There were 11 cases of diaphragmatic hernia, 5 cases of cystic adenomatoid malformation of lung, one case of chylothorax, two cases of lung sequestration, and three cases of bronchogenic cyst. The total number of deliveries during that period was 48,281 and the total number of major anomalies at that time was 669 (1.38%). Cases of hydrothorax of various etiology, as well as thoracic cage anomalies were excluded. Prenatal diagnosis allows planned delivery and the assembly of neonatologists and pediatric surgeons.

Late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is often difficult to diagnose and delay in treatment is common. Seven patients were operated beyond the newborn period for left-sided Bochdaleck hernia. Their age ranged from 1 month to 9 years. Six of them became symptomatic within the 1st year of life (1 week to 9 months of age). Either feeding difficulties or recurrent respiratory infections were initially present. In all of them chest X-rays were performed but delay in diagnosis ranged from 1 week to 5 years. All diaphragmatic defects could be closed by an abdominal approach without postoperative complications. Clinical symptoms disappeared postoperatively. In children with respiratory complaints or feeding difficulties one should be aware of late presenting CDH. A careful analysis of chest films and searching for "connecting" bowel segments passing through the diaphragmatic defect may help to avoid incorrect diagnosis and undesirable delay in treatment. Confusion with pneumonia or pneumothorax can be diminished by placing a feeding tube and instillation of contrast material. Ultrasound should be used supportively in all suspected diseases of the diaphragm.

Diseases and changes of the diaphragmal region should be investigated radiologically. Computed tomography will give additional information. Special attention should be paid to patients after traumatic injuries of breast and body. 95% of which are sliding gastro-esophageal herniations.

Surgery was performed on a rare case of incarcerated Chilaiditi's syndrome, a syndrome that has been known for 10 years. The patient was in the state of ileus with volvulus of the stomach and hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the stomach, transverse colon, and omentum majus. The patient was at high risk--77 years old and in bad condition due to hyperemesis and abdominal pain. Preoperative intensive care was necessary. During the operation the intestinal structures were repositioned, the diaphragmatic hernia was resected, and the muscular parts were sewn tight. The right position of the liver was reconstructed by sewing the ligaments. Colon resection was inevitable because the colon loop could not be separated and because there was lack of intraabdominal space. For indication of preventive and elective surgery, we propose that the diagnostics be enhanced when Chilaiditi's syndrome is found by chance and is still asymptomatic. These techniques may include a complete radiological examination with contrast medium, intestinal endoscopy, and computer tomography of the thoracoabdominal region.

A case of late presentation of left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in a boy of 9 months is reported. A chest X-ray taken after (premature) birth gave normal results; hence this type of CDH is called "acquired". Not being associated with pulmonary hypoplasia, this condition is difficult to diagnose. The patient presented as an emergency and the initial diagnosis was tension pneumothorax. This resulted in the insertion of a chest tube, fortunately without damage to the herniated stomach and spleen. Doubling upward of the tip of the nasogastric tube led to the correct diagnosis. After successful repair of the diaphragm the child made a full recovery.