**Core Concept**
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition where there is a developmental defect in the diaphragm, leading to herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. This can cause respiratory distress, pulmonary hypoplasia, and bowel atresias due to the compression of the developing lungs and intestines.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In CDH, the diaphragmatic defect allows abdominal organs such as the stomach, small intestine, and liver to herniate into the thoracic cavity, which can compress the developing lungs and lead to pulmonary hypoplasia. The herniated abdominal contents can also cause bowel atresias and intestinal obstruction. The diaphragmatic defect is usually located on the left side, but it can also occur on the right side.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because CDH is indeed associated with pulmonary hypertension, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because bowel atresias are a common complication of CDH due to the compression of the developing intestines by the herniated abdominal contents.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because pulmonary hypoplasia is a characteristic feature of CDH, resulting from the compression of the developing lungs by the herniated abdominal contents.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical correlation to remember is that CDH is often associated with other congenital anomalies, such as esophageal atresia and cardiac defects, which can occur in up to 50% of cases.
**Correct Answer:** D.
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