# Delayed Presentation of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in the Emergency Department: Case Report

## TL;DR

A 9-month-old child presented with breathing issues and was diagnosed with a rare congenital diaphragm defect usually seen in newborns.

## Contribution

Highlights the possibility of delayed congenital diaphragmatic hernia presentation in older infants.

## Key findings

- CDH can present in the ED with respiratory distress in infants beyond the neonatal period.
- Delayed CDH diagnosis requires inclusion in differential diagnosis for unexplained pediatric respiratory symptoms.
- Case emphasizes diagnostic challenges when CDH occurs outside the typical neonatal timeframe.

## Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an embryological defect of the diaphragm that typically presents in the neonatal period with respiratory distress. However, delayed presentations do occur rarely and can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

We describe the case of a 9-month-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with respiratory distress and was subsequently diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

This case underscores the importance of considering CDH in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting to the ED with unexplained respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, even beyond the neonatal period.