Prenatal Diagnosis and Management for Congenital Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia with Massive Cardiac Effusion: A Case Report and Literature Review

Congenital intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia with massive pericardial effusion is a rare type of Morgagni hernia. Since 1980, there have been only 16 reported cases. We report on the imaging features of such a case that was diagnosed in utero. The prognosis of congenital intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia is better than the other types of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, but lung hypoplasia due to compression by the pericardial effusion is not uncommon. Early intervention and treatment should be given to improve the perinatal outcome once the prenatal diagnosis has been made. We have summarized current diagnostic methods and management for this rare phenotype, after reviewing previous case reports and articles relating to the intervention for congenital diaphragmatic hernia.