eventration (diaphragm)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Eventration of the diaphragm is the phrase used to describe an abnormal elevation of the diaphragm at a site of weakness. It may be caused by failure of muscle migration into the diaphragm or weakness of any of the embryonic diaphragmatic components. It is rare but when it occurs, it is localised to:

• the vertebrocostal triangle; the connective tissue membrane is forced upwards by inferior abdominal viscera. More common on the left side.
• the central tendon

Eventration of the diaphragm is not a hernia as the gut remains below the diaphragm.