Iatrogenic gastric perforation in a misdiagnosed case of late presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Report of an avoidable complication

INTRODUCTION Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a defect in diaphragm which usually presents with severe respiratory distress in neonatal period. PRESENTATION OF CASE We present a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting at an age of 2.5 years in a male child. It was misdiagnosed as a case of pyothorax for which chest tube was attempted on left side resulting in iatrogenic gastric perforation. The patient was managed by early and prompt surgery. DISCUSSION Late presentation is usually rare with vast array of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. It often leads to clinical and radiological misdiagnosis. CONCLUSION Surgical intervention in misdiagnosed cases can lead to catastrophic iatrogenic complications.