This condition refers to the atrophy of the diaphragm into a thin membrane due to factors such as dysplasia, inflammation, or injury (including phrenic nerve injury at birth), leading to an elevated position of the diaphragmatic dome. It can occur at any age, with adults more commonly affected on the left side and infants on the right. Males are more frequently affected than females, with a ratio of approximately 2:1. The elevated diaphragm compresses the heart and lungs, causing respiratory symptoms, and occasionally circulatory symptoms. The upward displacement of abdominal organs (such as the stomach and intestines) may also lead to digestive symptoms. The severity of symptoms varies. In infants and young children, the elevated diaphragm and abdominal organs can compress the heart and lungs, potentially causing acute respiratory distress and circulatory dysfunction. In severe cases, paradoxical breathing and mediastinal flutter may rapidly induce respiratory and circulatory failure. Adult patients often experience milder symptoms, and the onset is usually gradual. Asymptomatic diaphragmatic eventration does not require surgical treatment. For symptomatic cases, overlapping sutures can be applied to the weakened diaphragm to lower its position and relieve compression on the heart and lungs. Postoperative improvement in respiratory and digestive symptoms can be expected.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, symptoms such as rapid heart rate or arrhythmia, and cyanosis may appear, which can worsen after eating; 2. During physical examination, signs such as displacement of the heart toward the healthy side and compression of the lung on the affected side may be observed.

1. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, etc. These symptoms and signs are more pronounced after a full meal. 2. Belching, abdominal distension and fullness, indigestion, loss of appetite, etc. 3. Chest X-ray shows an elevated diaphragm.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. For asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic individuals, symptomatic drug treatment and regular follow-up observation can be performed to monitor whether the diaphragm shows progressive elevation; 2. For those with obvious symptoms, surgical treatment should be performed to restore the diaphragm to its normal position as much as possible and reduce compression on the heart and lungs. 3. Infants and young children with severe respiratory or circulatory symptoms should undergo emergency surgical correction.

The severity of symptoms varies in this condition. In infants and young children, the elevation of the diaphragm and abdominal organs can compress the heart and lungs, leading to acute respiratory distress and circulatory dysfunction. In severe cases, paradoxical breathing and mediastinal flutter may cause respiratory and circulatory failure within a short period, necessitating emergency surgical repair. Asymptomatic individuals generally do not require surgical treatment but should undergo regular follow-up observation to monitor for progressive elevation of the diaphragm. For those with obvious symptoms, surgical treatment should be performed to restore the diaphragm to its normal position as much as possible, reduce compression on the lungs, increase lung ventilation, and stabilize the mediastinum. Regular follow-up observation is also recommended to monitor for progressive elevation of the diaphragm. For those with obvious symptoms, surgical treatment should be performed.

1. Cured: Symptoms and signs disappear, and the diaphragm returns to its normal position. 2. Improved: Symptoms and signs disappear or improve, and the diaphragm position lowers. 3. Not cured: Symptoms and signs do not improve, and the diaphragm position does not lower.