Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) usually is diagnosed before birth using an ultrasound, a non-invasive procedure in which sound waves form a picture of the fetus can determine the severity of the defect. The two factors used to grade the severity of the CDH are the position of the liver and the lung-to-head ratio. Liver position refers to whether or not any portion of liver has herniated, or moved up into the chest of the fetus. Fetuses with a portion of the liver in the chest have a more severe condition and a low survival rate. The lung-to-head ratio is a numeric estimate of the size of the lungs based on measuring the amount of visible lung. High lung-to-head ratios are associated with a good outcome.

Examination After Birth

Examination of your baby after birth may include:

• Chest X-ray to detect whether or not any abdominal organs have moved into your baby's chest cavity
• Echocardiogram to assess blood flow to the lungs and to determine if there is persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007