Bilateral diaphragmatic hernia followed by fetal ultrasonography - A report of two cases

Two cases: of bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) followed by f etal ultrasonography were described. Although many cases of CDH are diagnos ed by fetal ultrasonography, it is difficult to diagnose bilateral CDH in u tero, which is a relatively rare and fatal condition. Two fetuses were diag nosed as having left CDH associated with severe anomalies. However, a retro spective review of fetal ultrasonography indicated elevation of the liver i n the right posterior chest. Both patients died shortly after surgical repa ir for left CDH despite the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Dia gnosis of bilateral CDH by fetal ultrasonography and the evaluation of its prognosis were discussed. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.