A congenital anterior diaphragmatic hernia with massive pericardial effusion requiring neither emergency pericardiocentesis nor operation. A case report and review of the literature

All previously reported cases of anterior, diaphragmatic hernia with massive pericardial effusion were treated by pericardiocentesis and radical surgery during the early neonatal period. However, we initially followed the course of our patient in the neonatal period. Subsequently, elective surgery was performed at 70 days of age. Including our case, cardiac tamponade has not been observed in any previously reported cases of congenital anterior diaphragmatic hernia with massive pericardial effusion. CONCLUSION: Emergency pericardiocentesis and surgery are not always required immediately after birth, even when the presence of this condition is suspected by prenatal diagnosis. Our observation may be beneficial to preterm low birth weight infants with this condition.