A case of Bochdalek hernia in adult misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis

Bochdalek hernias are congenital defects resulting from the failure of posterolateral diaphragmatic foramina to fuse in utero. Usually it manifests in the neonatal period and occasionally in childhood. Symptomatic Bochdalek hernias in adults are infrequent and may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction or severe pulmonary disease. Patients are initially investigated and treated for other diseases, therefore diagnosis is purely incidental. Herein, we are reporting a case of symptomatic Bochdalek hernia in an 18-year-old female misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and treated accordingly, but with no improvement. This case illustrates importance of high index of clinical suspicion and role of computed tomography in avoiding misdiagnosis and occurrence of serious complication if not treated early.