Eventration of the diaphragm

Overview

A disorder in which muscles of the diaphragm are replaced by fibroelastic tissue, causing all or part of the diaphragm to move upwards and impinge upon the thoracic cavity. This can interfere with the proper function of thoracic organs, particularly the lungs, resulting in respiratory distress.

Though weakened, the muscles of the diaphragm remain attached to the costal margin, differentiating this condition from a diaphragmatic hernia in which the muscles of the diaphragm and the costal margin are discontinuous at points.