Anterolateral diaphragmatic hernia: is it a Morgagni hernia?

Three unusual cases of large anterolateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia are described with emphasis on its embryogenesis. This type of diaphragmatic defect is rare and underemphasized. Its clinical spectrum ranges from the asymptomatic case to those with acute respiratory distress. It may present itself as a solitary defect or as part of a more complex association such as the thoracoabdominal syndrome. This defect should be differentiated from Morgagni (and other anterior) diaphragmatic hernias by its size and lateral extension and the presence of left pulmonary hypoplasia. Treatment is by primary operative repair, and prognosis depends on the presence and severity of associated malformations.