The diaphragm is a thin piece of muscle that normally separates the chest from the abdomen. Eventration of the diaphragm occurs when this muscle does not develop properly. It is a rare condition that a baby is born with.
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What are the signs and symptoms of eventration of the diaphragm?
Some children do not have any symptoms. For those who do have symptoms, they can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Frequent lung infections
- Not gaining weight
Please note there are many conditions with similar symptoms. It’s important to see your child’s doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes eventration of the diaphragm?
Eventration of the diaphragm occurs when the diaphragm does not develop properly in pregnancy. Experts do not know what causes some babies to be born with this condition.
How is eventration of the diaphragm treated?
Most children with this condition will need a surgery called diaphragmatic plication to repair the diaphragm. Whenever possible, our surgeons at Connecticut Children’s perform this surgery using minimally invasive techniques.