Question

Full term newborn with respiratory distress. Imaging shows herniation of abdominal contents into the left pleural cavity. Maldevelopment of which of the following structures is most likely to have caused the defect of the diaphragm?

A-Esophageal mesoderm
B-Left diaphragmatic crus
C-Left pleuropericardial fold
D-Left pleuroperitoneal membrane
E-Septum transversum

Answer 1

The left pleuroperitoneal membrane maldevelopment is likely the cause of herniation of abdominal contents into the left pleural cavity in a newborn, leading to respiratory distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The maldevelopment of the left pleuroperitoneal membrane is most likely responsible for a herniation of abdominal contents into the left pleural cavity in a full-term newborn with respiratory distress. During embryonic development, the pleuroperitoneal membranes close off the peritoneal cavity from the pleural cavities to form the diaphragm. If maldevelopment occurs in one of these membranes, specifically on the left side, this can result in a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, allowing abdominal structures to herniate into the chest area and thereby compromising respiratory function.