Case Report: Fetal Bilateral Diaphragmatic Agenesis, Ectopic Liver and Abnormal Pancreas

Fetal Pediatr Pathol. 2015;34(4):216-22. doi: 10.3109/15513815.2015.1042605. Epub 2015 Jun 1.

Abstract

Congenital bilateral diaphragm agenesis is a very rare condition. We describe limited (abdomen only) autopsy findings of a case of bilateral diaphragm agenesis in a 27-week male fetus with unusual findings of fibrosis of the pancreatic head and ectopic liver nodules in a mass at the upper abdomen that may represent a possible diaphragm anlage. We have correlated our observations with data from experimental and embryological studies to suggest possible mechanisms for the malformations that were present and their implications for our understanding of pancreas, liver and diaphragm development in the human fetus.

Keywords: diaphragm agenesis; hepatic stellate cell; human fetus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Cavity / embryology
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / embryology*
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / pathology
  • Adult
  • Choristoma / embryology*
  • Choristoma / pathology
  • Diaphragm / abnormalities*
  • Diaphragm / embryology
  • Diaphragm / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Gestational Age
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / chemistry
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / pathology
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / embryology*
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Premature
  • Liver* / embryology
  • Liver* / pathology
  • Male
  • Pancreas / abnormalities*
  • Pancreas / embryology
  • Pancreas / pathology
  • Polyhydramnios / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Thorax / embryology

Supplementary concepts

  • Diaphragm, Complete Agenesis Of