Hepatic pulmonary fusion: two cases with diaphragmatic hernia and one case with Pentalogy of Cantrell

Fetal Pediatr Pathol. 2012 Dec;31(6):401-9. doi: 10.3109/15513815.2012.659406. Epub 2012 Apr 12.

Abstract

Hepatic pulmonary fusion (HPF) is characterized by a fibrous connection between the liver and lung tissue. We present two cases of hepatic pulmonary fusion diagnosed with right diaphragmatic hernia and a third case with Pentalogy of Cantrell exhibiting complete agenesis of the diaphragm and finger-like projections of liver adhered to the right lung. It has been proposed that this anomaly is secondary to developmental failure of the mesoderm between days 14-18 after conception and is attributed to diaphragmatic maldevelopment. Understanding the molecular-genetic basis of diaphragmatic hernias may shed light on this unusual presentation and explain why other cases show no fusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gestational Age
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / pathology*
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / surgery
  • Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital
  • Humans
  • Liver / abnormalities*
  • Liver / surgery
  • Lung / abnormalities*
  • Lung / surgery
  • Pentalogy of Cantrell / pathology*
  • Premature Birth
  • Thoracotomy
  • Treatment Outcome