Abstract

Two autopsy cases of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia(Bochdalek foramen) have been presented. The first case is a 12-hour-old new born infant, who was admitted for cyanosis and dyspnea. At operation, the left hemithorax was filled with loops of small intestine which had been herniated through a large defect in the left posterolateral portion of the diaphragm. The defect was properly repaired. However, the patient expired soon after operation showing persistent respiratory difficulty. At autopsy, both lungs were hypoplastic especially in the left, and no evidence of expansion was noted under the microscope. The second case is a 3-day-old newborn infant who was admitted for cyanosis and general weakness. Soon after admission the patient expired. At autopsy, left lung weighed only 5 gm. and consisted of a rather stolid dark gray mass attached to the hilum. The spleen and loops of small intestine were found in the left hemithorax which had been herniated through a round defect in the left posterolateral portion of diaphragm. Pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia associated with diaphragmatic hernia of congenital origin is discussed and the related papers are briefly reviewed.