Colonic Dyspnea and the Morgagni Hernia: A Rare Adult Diagnosis

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs) occur from a disruption in the muscular formation of the diaphragm, resulting in herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. A rare diagnosis, most cases are identified in the pediatric and neonatal populations with an overall historical 50% mortality related to the diagnosis. ¹ More recent data published in the U.S. and Japan cite an overall survival rate of 67% to 80% secondary to improved understanding of the pathophysiology and subsequent enhancement of neonatal cardiopulmonary support adjuncts. ^2,3

Bochladek hernias (posterolateral space) are the most common presentation of CDH, accounting for > 90% of cases. First described by the Giovanni Batista Morgagni in On the Seats and Causes of Disease Investigated by Anatomy , the anteromedial sternocostal location is far less common and accounts for only 2% to 3% of cases. ^4,5 More commonly found on the right side of the diaphragm, despite protection from the liver, the right-sided space has been traditionally referred to as the Morgagni space. A left-sided defect is occasionally called the Larrey gap or space, after Napoleon’s surgeon who described the space as a potential location for pericardial drainage of tamponade. ^6,7

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There are a few congenital conditions, such as trisomy 21, Turner syndrome, Prader Willi syndrome, dextrocardia, and Tetralogy of Fallot, that have been associated with Morgagni hernias. ⁷ Pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress are the most common symptoms for neonatal patients; chest pain, sensations of tightness/fullness, reflux, and transient obstructive symptoms constitute the typical symptoms of adult patients with CDH. In this case study, the authors present a case of adult-onset Morgagni hernia as well as a review of the relevant literature.

Case Report

The patient was a 48-year-old man on active-duty who presented to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth General Surgery clinic in Virginia with a 4-year history of gastroesophageal reflux-related symptoms. Specifically, he reported epigastric fullness, pyrosis, and discomfort that radiated toward his bilateral lower ribs for the previous 4 years. This discomfort was typically associated with the intake of solid food and was followed a few hours later by a loose bowel movement.

The patient was initially treated with antacids and proton pump inhibitors by his primary care physician, with only minimal relief. He also reported several months of chronic cough as well as intermittent episodes of “gasping air hunger” for about 6 years, which had been incidentally brought up during his separation physical examination. A chest X-ray performed during the workup revealed findings suggesting a right diaphragmatic hernia vs a bronchogenic cyst (Figure 1). A computed tomography (CT) of the thorax demonstrated a 3 x 8-cm hernia through the foramen of Morgagni containing a portion of the transverse colon along with intraperitoneal fat (Figures 2 and 3).

The patient underwent repair of this right Morgagni hernia via a laparoscopic approach. Intraoperative findings confirmed preoperative radiologic studies demonstrating colonic and omental contents within an easily reducible hernia sac (Figures 4 and 5). The hernia sac was left in vivo, and a combined direct hernia repair with mesh reinforcement was performed using Surgimesh XB (BG Medical, Barrington, IL) (Figure 6). The patient remained in the hospital for overnight observation and was discharged on postoperative day 1. The patient has since been seen in follow-up and is doing quite well with complete resolution of his reflux and pulmonary symptoms.