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Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: APSA Prenatal Counseling Series
Topic overview
APSA's prenatal counseling guidance for congenital diaphragmatic hernia provides evidence-based information for expectant parents and clinicians. Covers diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and postnatal management strategies for this complex congenital anomaly.
Key Takeaways
- CDH prognosis depends on liver herniation, pulmonary hypoplasia severity, pulmonary hypertension, and associated cardiac/genetic anomalies
- Sac-type CDH has residual diaphragm membrane and carries improved prognosis compared to complete diaphragmatic absence
- Differential diagnosis includes Morgagni/hiatal hernias, CPAM, BPS, and pulmonary agenesis/hypoplasia—imaging distinguishes these
- Prenatal counseling requires multidisciplinary assessment of herniation degree and associated anomalies to guide delivery planning
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American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
from the
Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Committee
of the American Pediatric Surgical Association
Editor-in-Chief: Ahmed I. Marwan, MD
Special thanks to Loren Berman, MD,
and Erin Perrone, MD
©2018, American Pediatric Surgical Association
TM
American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) refers to congenital absence of at least
one diaphragm, which results in abnormal displacement of typically abdominal
structures into the fetal chest. Morbidity and mortality of infants born with this
congenital anomaly is dependent on many factors including possible coexistence
of congenital heart disease, other congenital or genetic anomalies, degree
of herniation of structures into the fetal chest, in particular the liver, degree
of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Sac-type congenital
diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a variant in which there is some residual diaphragm
membrane with improved prognosis.
Source: Colorado Fetal Care Center
American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia includes: Morgagni
hernia, congenital hiatal hernia, pulmonary agenesis, pulmonary aplasia, pulmonary
hypoplasia, pericardial teratoma, congenital pulmonary airway malformation
(CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), mediastinal lymphatic
malformation, pericardial teratoma, bronchogenic cyst, neurenteric cyst and
pleuropulmonary blastoma.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) refers to congenital absence of at least one diaphragm, which results
in abnormal displacement of typically abdominal structures into the fetal chest. Morbidity and mortality of
infants born with this congenital anomaly is dependent on many factors including possible coexistence of
congenital heart disease, other congenital or genetic anomalies, degree of herniation of structures into the
fetal chest, in particular the liver, degree of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Sac-type
congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a variant in which there is some residual diaphragm membrane with
improved prognosis.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia includes: Morgagni hernia, congenital hiatal hernia,
pulmonary agenesis, pulmonary aplasia, pulmonary hypoplasia, pericardial teratoma, congenital pulmonary
airway malformation (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), mediastinal lymphatic malformation,
pericardial teratoma, bronchogenic cyst, neurenteric cyst and pleuropulmonary blastoma.
Bochdalek hernia Sac-type hernia Morgagni hernia Hiatal hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) refers to congenital absence of at least one diaphragm, which results
in abnormal displacement of typically abdominal structures into the fetal chest. Morbidity and mortality of
infants born with this congenital anomaly is dependent on many factors including possible coexistence of
congenital heart disease, other congenital or genetic anomalies, degree of herniation of structures into the
fetal chest, in particular the liver, degree of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Sac-type
congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a variant in which there is some residual diaphragm membrane with
improved prognosis.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia includes: Morgagni hernia, congenital hiatal hernia,
pulmonary agenesis, pulmonary aplasia, pulmonary hypoplasia, pericardial teratoma, congenital pulmonary
airway malformation (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), mediastinal lymphatic malformation,
pericardial teratoma, bronchogenic cyst, neurenteric cyst and pleuropulmonary blastoma.
Bochdalek hernia Sac-type hernia Morgagni hernia Hiatal hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) refers to congenital absence of at least one diaphragm, which results
in abnormal displacement of typically abdominal structures into the fetal chest. Morbidity and mortality of
infants born with this congenital anomaly is dependent on many factors including possible coexistence of
congenital heart disease, other congenital or genetic anomalies, degree of herniation of structures into the
fetal chest, in particular the liver, degree of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Sac-type
congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a variant in which there is some residual diaphragm membrane with
improved prognosis.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia includes: Morgagni hernia, congenital hiatal hernia,
pulmonary agenesis, pulmonary aplasia, pulmonary hypoplasia, pericardial teratoma, congenital pulmonary
airway malformation (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), mediastinal lymphatic malformation,
pericardial teratoma, bronchogenic cyst, neurenteric cyst and pleuropulmonary blastoma.
Bochdalek hernia Sac-type hernia Morgagni hernia Hiatal hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) refers to congenital absence of at least one diaphragm, which results
in abnormal displacement of typically abdominal structures into the fetal chest. Morbidity and mortality of
infants born with this congenital anomaly is dependent on many factors including possible coexistence of
congenital heart disease, other congenital or genetic anomalies, degree of herniation of structures into the
fetal chest, in particular the liver, degree of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Sac-type
congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a variant in which there is some residual diaphragm membrane with
improved prognosis.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia includes: Morgagni hernia, congenital hiatal hernia,
pulmonary agenesis, pulmonary aplasia, pulmonary hypoplasia, pericardial teratoma, congenital pulmonary
airway malformation (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), mediastinal lymphatic malformation,
pericardial teratoma, bronchogenic cyst, neurenteric cyst and pleuropulmonary blastoma.
Bochdalek hernia Sac-type hernia Morgagni hernia Hiatal hernia
Bochdalek hernia
Figure 1
Fig.1: Fetal MRI with Single Shot Fast Spin Echo
coronal image demonstrating fluid filled stomach
and bowel loops in the left chest. Both the left and
right lung are displaced superior and to the right
and are small in size (arrows).
Fig. 2: Fetal MRI with SSFSE parasagittal image
demonstrating bowel loops and left lobe of the
liver (arrow) in the left thorax.
Images courtesy of Kimberly Dannull, MD,
Colorado Fetal Care Center
Figure 2
Morgagni herniaSac-type hernia Hiatal hernia
Representative MRI images of some of the differential diagnosis
American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Initial Evaluation
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Fetal echocardiography
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging
Prenatal Imaging
The goal of prenatal imaging is to exclude alternative diagnoses, evaluate for
additional congenital anomalies, identify location and contents of the hernia,
predict outcome and guide perinatal and postnatal management.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
• Evaluate fetal growth
• Evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid. The herniated stomach can result in
polyhydramnios, which can predispose to preterm labor and delivery
• Evaluate anatomy for the presence of other potential congenital anomalies
• Evaluate for hydrops: pleural fluid, ascites, pericardial fluid, skin edema,
placentomegaly
• Measure the Lung-to-Head Ratio (LHR) (Length x width of the lung opposite the
side of the hernia, divided by the head circumference with formula L x W /HC)
o Mild pulmonary hypoplasia: LHR >1.4
o Moderate pulmonary hypoplasia: LHR 1-1.4
o Severe pulmonary hypoplasia: LHR<1
• Observed-to-expected LHR should be calculated
o Mild CDH: O/E LHR >35%
o Moderate: O/E LHR 25-35%
o Severe: O/E LHR <25%
• Right- vs left-sided CDH: Most experts feel that
right-sided diaphragmatic hernia has a same or
worse prognosis compared to left-sided defect
with similar parameters, with the exception of
liver position (the liver is always up with right-sided defect as it is the only
organ immediately beneath the right diaphragm.)
o Mild pulmonary hypoplasia: LHR >1.4
o Moderate pulmonary hypoplasia: LHR 1-1.4
o Severe pulmonary hypoplasia: LHR<1
• Observed-to-expected LHR should be calculated (Zaretsky to add detail of this method)
o Mild CDH: O/E LHR >35%
o Moderate: O/E LHR 25-35%
o Severe: O/E LHR <25%
• Modified McGoon Index (MMI) is obtained to evaluate risk for pulmonary hypertension: (diameter of
the left pulmonary artery plus the right pulmonary artery divided by the aorta at the level of the
expected diaphragm (LPA + RPA/Aorta). A MMI <1 indicates high risk for pulmonary hypertension.
• Right- vs left-sided CDH: Most experts feel that right-sided diaphragmatic hernia has a same or worse
prognosis compared to left-sided defect with similar parameters, with the exception of liver position
(the liver is always up with right-sided defect as it is the only organ immediately beneath the right
diaphragm.)
Fetal Echocardiogram
• Evaluate cardiac position, structure and function (the combination of congenital heart disease and CDH
drastically increases mortality, particularly if univentricular anatomy)
• Modified McGoon Index (MMI) is obtained to evaluate risk for pulmonary hypertension: (diameter of
the left pulmonary artery plus the right pulmonary artery divided by the aorta at the level of the
expected diaphragm (LPA + RPA/Aorta). A MMI <1 indicates high risk for pulmonary hypertension.
• Maternal hyperoxygenation response (? Cards to add detail)
Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Fetal MRI is typically obtained at 24 weeks or around the time of diagnosis to fully evaluate the
anatomy and exclude potential alternative or coexistent diagnosis. An additional MRI is obtained at 34
weeks gestation, which gives a more accurate assessment of lung volumes and better visualization of
the pulmonary arteries to predict the risk for pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension
respectively.
• Obtain lung volumes utilizing volumetric software:
o Calculate Total Lung Volume (TLV). The TLV is the simple summation of the volume of the left
and right lung (left lung volume + right lung volume). A TLV < 20 ml at 34 gestational weeks
indicates a poor prognosis.
o Calculate Percent Predicted Lung Volume (PPLV). The expected lung volume is calculated by
subtracting mediastinal volume (MV) from the thoracic volume (TV). PPLV is the total lung
American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Fetal Echocardiogram
• Evaluate cardiac position, structure and function (the combination of
congenital heart disease and CDH drastically increases mortality, particularly if
univentricular anatomy)
• Modified McGoon Index (MMI) may be obtained to evaluate risk for pulmonary
hypertension: (diameter of the left pulmonary artery plus the right pulmonary
artery divided by the aorta at the level of the expected diaphragm (LPA +
RPA/ Aorta). A MMI <1 indicates high risk for pulmonary hypertension.
• Perform maternal hyperoxygenation response
Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Fetal MRI is typically obtained at 24 weeks or around the time of diagnosis
to fully evaluate the anatomy and exclude potential alternative or coexistent
diagnosis. Some fetal centers will advocate for an optional 34 weeks gestation
MRI, which gives a more accurate assessment of lung volumes and better
visualization of the pulmonary arteries to predict the risk for pulmonary
hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension respectively.
• Obtain lung volumes utilizing volumetric software:
o Calculate T otal Lung Volume (TL V). The TL V is the simple summation
of the volume of the left and right lung (left lung volume + right lung
volume). A TL V < 20 ml at 34 gestational weeks indicates a poor
prognosis.
o Calculate Percent Predicted Lung Volume (PPL V). The expected lung
volume is calculated by subtracting mediastinal volume (MV) from the
thoracic volume (TV). PPL V is the total lung volume divided by the
expected lung volume (PPL V= TL V /TV-MV). A PPL V of < 15% indicates a
poor prognosis.
o Similar to prenatal ultrasound and echocardiogram, a modified McGoon
index (MMI) may be quantitated
American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Prenatal Counseling and Postnatal Considerations
• After a comprehensive review of the fetus with obstetrical ultrasound, fetal MRI,
fetal echocardiography and amniocentesis for karyotyping, then comprehensive
counseling can be performed, typically including MFM, pediatric surgeon,
neonatologist, pediatric cardiologist and pediatric radiologist.
• All cases of CDH should be delivered in a tertiary care center near a neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU)
• Depending on the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia, delivery with ECMO
standby should be considered
Management of Pregnancy and Delivery Planning
• Biweekly follow up beginning at 30 weeks’ gestation: there is a 10% risk of
intrauterine fetal demise during the third trimester even in cases with no other
abnormalities except the CDH.
• All CDH babies should be considered high-risk, regardless of prenatal imaging
parameters.
• Cesarean section is only indicated for obstetrical considerations.
• Scheduled delivery when full-term (37-38 weeks) should be considered. Many,
but certainly not all, specialists believe scheduled delivery is necessary, but true
readiness is important - and few centers truly are ready 24/7 .
• Delivery should occur close to a Level 3 NICU with access to pediatric surgery
and ECMO.
Consideration for Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal
Occlusion (FETO)
Currently, FETO is offered through a handful of centers within the U.S. who
participate in the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNET) FETO
consortium. FETO is offered to severe left-sided CDH (identified as O/E LHR<25%)
via participation in the TOTAL trial.
American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Postnatal Course
The postnatal course can be variable depending on the degree of pulmonary
hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension.
Risks to discuss with families during prenatal consultation:
• The following long-term outcomes should definitely be discussed during
prenatal consultation for a fetus with CDH:
o Recurrence of hernia
o Death
o Long-term O2 supplementation
o Ventilator dependency
o Neurological problems
o GERD
o Asthma, reactive airway disease
o Hearing loss
o G tube dependence
o Failure to thrive
o Chest wall deformities
o Intestinal obstruction
o Diuretic dependence
American Pediatric Surgical Association
Prenatal Counseling Series
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Complication rates for CDH requiring ECMO vs not requiring ECMO
OUTCOME
Rate for ECMO
CDH
Rate for
non-ECMO
CDH
Prolonged ventilator dependence
( > 1 month)
25-75% Up to 10%
Long-term supplemental oxygen need
( > 6 months)
25-75% Up to 10%
Asthma or reactive airway disease as a
school-aged child
25-75% 10-50%
Neurologic impairment:
Learning difficulties
50% 5-20%
Neurologic impairment:
Unable to attend regular school
10-20% 1-5%
Long-term hearing loss: Mild loss without
need for medical assistance
Up to 50% 1-5%
Long-term hearing loss:
Requiring hearing aid
5-10% 1%
Long-term hearing loss: Hearing loss
impacting speech development
5-10% 1%
GERD: Managed with medication 75% Up to 75%
GERD: Managed with fundoplication 20% Up to 10%
Failure to thrive resulting in need for
gastrostomy placement
Up to 50% Up to 10%
Intestinal obstruction 5-10% 5-10%
Chest wall deformities: Mild 10-20% 10-20%
Chest wall deformities: Requiring surgery Up to 10% Up to 5%
Scoliosis Up to 20% Up to 20%
CDH recurrence after repair 10-50% 5-20%
Death 20-50% 5-20%
Courtesy of Loren Berman, MD
Berman L, Jackson J, Miller K, Kowalski R, Kolm P , Luks F. Expert surgical consensus for prenatal
counseling using the Delphi method. J Pediatr Surg. 2017 Nov 28. pii: S0022-3468(17)30805-9.
Follow-up and Long-term Issues
It is strongly recommended that CDH babies follow up in a multidisciplinary clinic
including pediatric surgery, pulmonary, nutrition and developmental pediatrics due to
the abundance of potential long-term sequelae as detailed above.
How to cite: GlobalCastMD. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: APSA Prenatal Counseling Series. GlobalCastMD Medical Library. https://library.globalcastmd.com/guideline/2122
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