A unique case of hepatopulmonary fusion in congenital diaphragmatic hernia causing pulmonary hypoplasia in a newborn: A case report study.

INTRODUCTION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Hepatopulmonary fusion is a rare congenital malformation associated with right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. Often diagnosed during surgery, it carries a high mortality rate.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a full-term infant who exhibited shortness of breath from birth. Radiological examinations confirmed a right congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and subsequent surgery revealed hepatopulmonary fusion.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: While hepatopulmonary fusion is uncommon, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Preoperative evaluation for vascular malformations and meticulous surgical planning are essential.

CONCLUSION

Managing hepatopulmonary fusion poses significant challenges for surgeons. Its association with pulmonary malformations increases surgical complexity, risk, and adversely impacts prognosis, as exemplified in our case.