Intrapericardial herniation of the liver: uncommon cause of massive pericardial effusion in neonates

An unusual hernia: Congenital pericardial effusion associated with liver herniation into the pericardial sac

“…Anterior hernias of the foramen of Morgagni account for 1-68 % of all defects, and bilateral hernias account for around 1% [1]. Herniation into the pericardial sac is the rarest form with only nine previously reported cases [2][3][4][5], and only two diagnosed antenatally [6]. These hernias are believed to represent developmental failure of the retrosternal portion of the septum transversum.…”

“…The post-operative follow-up period was uneventful and the infant is thriving normally several months later. Previous similar cases have also had a successful outcome following corrective surgery, perhaps helped by the absence of pulmonary hypoplasia, which is often seen with the more conventional diaphragmatic hernia [1][2][3][4][5].…”

Antenatal diagnosis of a Morgagni hernia in the second trimester

“…5 Such a peritoneopericardial hernia probably occurs as a result of failure of the retrosternal portion of the septum transversum to close the communication between the pericardial and peritoneal cavities. 9 Septum transversum also contributes to the development of the diaphragm, falciform ligament, liver, and pericardium. All viscera herniating through this septum form a sac.…”

A case of intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia with a massive pericardial effusion: fetal diagnosis and therapy

“…Since 1980, only 10 cases have been reported in the world [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. This kind of hernia is thought to be caused by the developmental failure of the retrosternal part of the septum transversum in early gestation, which would develop to be the central tendons of the diaphragm.…”

“…The etiology of pericardial effusion is not clear, but there has been 2 proposed theories [3,4]. First, disturbance of hepatic venous return to the inferior vena cava results in liver congestion, and exudate fluids collect in the pericardial space through the hernia sac.…”