Morgagni Hernia – Presenting as Vague Abdominal Pain Since 8 Years

Abstract

Morgagni hernia is the rarest type of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia(CHD). It accounts for 2% of all CHD cases and is detected incidentally through a chest xray The hernia occurs mostly on right side of diaphragm with incidence of 90%, 8% occur bilaterally and 2% limited to left side. It is predominant in females presenting symptom of abdominal pain. The presence of colonic sounds on chest examination is a significant finding in diagnosis. CT scans usually reveal a retrosternal or parasternal mass or fat density which represents omentum and air containing viscus. A case of a middle aged lady presenting with vague abdominal pain for the last eight years is reported. Suspicion was raised over a chest xray which highlighted the right dome of diaphragm being pushed up and the presence of gaseous shadow under the right dome .Subsequent computed tomography showed morgagani hernia . The patient underwent open transabdominal of the stomach and omentum , where the hernia sac not resected and a primary closure of the defect was performed. The post operative course was uneventful. Morgagni though rare, often remains undiagnosed and can lead to life threatening complications. Surgical intervention regardless of patient ‘s asymptomatic state should be offered to avoid complications. KEY WORDS: Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Morgagni, Surgery.