A case series of right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia with liver herniation with non-contralateral mediastinal shift: Imaging clues and the diagnostic challenge of hepatopulmonary fusion

Authors

  • Pritchaya Prathombut, M.D. Department of Radiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand, Department of Radiology, Burapha University Hospital, Chonburi, Thailand.
  • Nattinee Leelakanok, M.D. Department of Radiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46475/asean-jr.v27i3.1018

Keywords:

Hepatopulmonary fusion, Non-contralateral mediastinal shift, Right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract

Right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with liver herniation typically produces contralateral mediastinal shift; its absence presents a diagnostic imaging challenge and raises concern for hepatopulmonary fusion (HPF). We report three infants with right-sided CDH and liver herniation without contralateral shift, including two cases of HPF and one non-HPF case attributable to severe pulmonary hypoplasia. This series demonstrates that non-contralateral or ipsilateral mediastinal shift, although classically associated with HPF, is not pathognomonic. We highlight the complementary roles and limitations of radiography, ultrasonography, and contrast-enhanced CT in suggesting HPF preoperatively. These cases refine radiologic clues for this rare presentation and underscore the importance of meticulous multimodality imaging to inform surgical planning and anticipate operative complexity.

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Author Biography

Nattinee Leelakanok, M.D., Department of Radiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Pediatric radiologist at

Department of Radiology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand

Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

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Published

2026-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Prathombut P, Leelakanok N. A case series of right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia with liver herniation with non-contralateral mediastinal shift: Imaging clues and the diagnostic challenge of hepatopulmonary fusion. ASEAN J Radiol [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 30 [cited 2026 Oct. 21];27(3):299-314. Available from: https://asean-journal-radiology.org/index.php/ajr/article/view/1018

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