ANTEROLATERAL DIAPHRAGMATIC-HERNIA - IS IT A MORGAGNI HERNIA

Three unusual cases of large anterolateral congenital diaphragmatic he rnia are described with emphasis on its embryogenesis. This type of di aphragmatic defect is rare and underemphasized. Its clinical spectrum ranges from the asymptomatic case to those with acute respiratory dist ress. It may present itself as a solitary defect or as part of a more complex association such as the thoracoabdominal syndrome. This defect should be differentiated from Morgagni (and other anterior) diaphragm atic hernias by its size and lateral extension and the presence of lef t pulmonary hypoplasia. Treatment is by primary operative repair, and prognosis depends on the presence and severity of associated malformat ions.