Research Day
SUDDEN DEATH AFTER BOUNCE HOUSE - A LATE COMPLICATION OF CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA
Document Type
Abstract
Date
2021
Abstract
Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition characterized by incomplete formation of the diaphragm, most commonly presenting prenatally or at birth.
Case History: We are presenting a case of a 3-year-old female who died of cardiac arrest hours after jumping in a bounce house at a festival. On autopsy, the patient was found to have a previously undiagnosed CDH, which likely herniated in response to pressure changes associated with jumping. The patient experienced several hours of vomiting prior to her death due to incarceration of the abdominal organs that had traversed the opening. Respiratory compromise and cardiac arrest ultimately ensued due to compression of the heart and lungs to the right side of the chest cavity.
Conclusion: Late onset CDH can be difficult to diagnose but should be considered for patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms.