Intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia after arterial switch operation

Abstract

Intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia after median sternotomy for cardiothoracic procedures is a rare complication. We describe an interesting case of diaphragmatic hernia in a 6-month-old girl presenting as cardiac tamponade, 4 months after an arterial switch operation. The diaphragmatic defect was iatrogenic and emphasizes the danger of inadvertent diaphragmatic injury during cardiac operations.