The evolving appearance of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVE

The prenatal differentiation of a fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia from other echogenic chest masses can be difficult. The implications of the leading diagnosis can greatly affect the neonatal prognosis. The cases presented illustrate how the primary diagnosis of a fetal chest mass can change during the course of gestation as the appearance of the chest mass evolves.

METHODS

A descriptive analysis of 2 cases reviewed the importance of considering multiple causes of an echogenic chest mass.

RESULTS

The sonographic features of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that have been described in the literature were not always present at the time of initial evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia should be part of the differential diagnosis considered during consultation with parents whose fetus has an echogenic chest mass.