Segmental dilatation of the ileum in a newborn with Bochdaleck's hernia.

Congenital segmental dilatation of intestine is a very rare pathology and up to date less than 50 cases have been reported in literature. Herein we report a case of segmental dilatation of ileum associated to diaphragmatic hernia. The main clinical and pathogenetic aspects are discussed, and the theory of a ganglionic dysplasia as a cause of congenital segmental dilatation is here confirmed.