ACCESSORY DIAPHRAGM - REVIEW OF 31 CASES IN THE LITERATURE

The authors report a case history of a male newborn at term, presentin g with an accessory diaphragm in the right hemi-thorax, and an associa ted lung hypoplasia, revealed by a transient respiratory distress. The review of 31 cases published in the literature confirm the rare occur rence of this malformation. The diagnostic difficulties are discussed. The advantages of both MRI and CT scanning are compared. Pulmonary, v ascular, or diaphragmatic abnormalities were due either to the isolate d diagnosis or to its possible associated malformations. Operative man agement is often considered in view of the progressive respiratory com plications. Excision of the accessory diaphragm does not necessarily s olve the problem of a coexisting lung hypoplasia.