Case Report - Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with gastric perforation in a newborn female

Most neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) present with CDH symptoms within the first 24 h of life. However, the presentation may be delayed in 10-20% of the cases. The presenting symptoms are nonspecific and are usually gastrointestinal in nature. We report a case of a 9 day-old neonate presenting with abdominal distention. The investigation was suggestive of CDH with the possibility of perforation which was confirmed by emergency laparotomy. A review of literature revealed one similar case report. This case highlights the risk of bowel incarceration in delayed cases presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.