Newborn after repair of a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Pediatric Imaging Chest March 29, 2020March 14, 2020

CXR after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair showing no need for a chest tube — CXR AP (above) taken immediately postop shows that the hypoplastic left lung cannot expand to completely fill the pleural space particularly in the basilar region and subsequently there is a moderate amount of air in the pleural space. This should not be called a pneumothorax. CXR AP taken 1 day later (below) shows the left pleural space now filling with fluid.

The diagnosis was normal post-operative appearance after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair.

Published March 29, 2020March 14, 2020