A rare case of adult Bochdalek hernia in Tanzania: Presentation and review of the functional anatomy and embryological basis

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) are common and frequently fatal especially in neonates. In the adults they may cause no overt symptoms, but case of respiratory disorders is not uncommon. Globally, there is an enormous amount of clinical literature on CDH but in African the literature is scant and fragmented whereas the literature of anatomical and developmental significance is almost absent. The lack of African literature may entail a clue on the causation and genetics. The Bochdalek hernia is the most common type of all CHD Hernias. The present work reports a case of massive Bochdalek hernia observed during the cadaveric dissection classes of the medical students at the Muhimbil University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The work examines the anatomical, developmental and clinical importance a black Tanzanian male cadaver presenting with a massive Bochdalek hernia case. We conclude that CDH may go undiagnosed while causing morbidity to the patients. We also review the literature on the causation, development and functional anatomy.