Lung hernia secondary to congenital absence of ribs

Intercostal lung hernia in a 7-year-old boy

The authors report a case of a lateral chest wall lung hernia, which was presumably congenital. Lung herniations are extremely rare, and congenital herniation of the lung through an apparently intact thoracic cage has not yet been reported. The hernia was repaired by the interposition of a polypropylene mesh. The literature of this rare condition is briefly reviewed.

Congenital lung herniation

Congenital lung herniation is a rare condition. It is usually associated with a costal cartilage defect. We report on a newborn boy with a partial lung herniation through the parietal pleura and skin associated with a sternal malformation. We propose the herniation occurred around the fifth month of fetal life and interfered with sternal ossification.

Cervical lung herniation associated with upper airway obstruction

We present the case of a 6-year-old boy with reactive airway disease who developed cervical lung herniation resulting in compression of the trachea and audible stridor. This association has never been reported in the pediatric age group, and a review of the literature revealed that lung herniation is a rare condition in the pediatric population. Most patients are asymptomatic. Herniation occurs in the cervical area in approximately one fourth of patients. The diagnosis is usually made by physical examination and confirmed by radiographic studies. Treatment is seldom necessary; most patients require only education and reassurance. Surgical intervention is indicated when respiratory distress, cosmetic concerns, or progressive increase in size occur.

A unique chest wall splint for unilateral agenesis of ribs

Unilateral agenesis of ribs with a "lung hernia," may cause severe respiratory distress in a neonate. Our experience with the use of a temporary external chest splint for stabilization of the congenital flail chest in one patient is presented. The device facilitated extubation and allowed the infant to grow prior to future surgical reconstruction.