Familial diaphragmatic hernia.

Familial occurrence of diaphragmatic hiatal hernia has been reported often. Herein reported is a family in which eight of eleven children had hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia must be considered as a possible etiological factor in all upper abdominal, cardiac or respiratory disturbances from infancy to senility. The lesion may be present in a patient who has none of the symptoms usually associated with such defects.Conservative treatment is indicated unless serious symptoms definitely referred to the hernia are present and not adequately controlled by conservative means.