CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS IN INFANTS WITH A CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

Objectives: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly and in association with diaphragmatic hernia (DH) develops significant morbidity and mortality outcomes. We aimed to determine the frequency of CHD in patients with DH and the effect of their relationship at our center. Methodology: This retrospective study considered all patients with congenital DH, who were referred to the pediatric cardiology Clinic of Imam Reza Hospital to evaluate for congenital heart disorders from March 2002 and December 2019. Findings were divided into two groups: normal structure heart and minor anomalies and major congenital heart disease that needs follow-up and interferes with surgical planning. Results: Twenty-five cases of congenital heart disease were identified, 17 patients were male (68%), and the mean age of cases was 5.5 months. Moreover, 17 patients (68%) suffered from CHD which was the major congenital heart disease in 10 cases (40%). Eight patients (32%) were diagnosed with normal echocardiography or minor defects such as patent foramen oval or floppy mitral valve with no mitral regurgitation. The most common CHD was ventricular septal defect, observed in six patients (24%). The most frequent non-cardiac malformations were gastrointestinal anomalies, chest deformity and genitourinary anomalies. Conclusion: The most common anomaly in the infants with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is congenital heart diseases, particularly septal defects. Cardiac consultation in in patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is significant, which is recommended for all the patients before surgery.