A scaphoid abdomen is frequently associated with

• A. Cystic fibrosis
• B. Meconium aspiration
• C. Diaphragmatic hernia
• D. Epiglottitis

Answer: (C)

A scaphoid (sunken) abdomen in a newborn points to a diaphragmatic hernia. When abdominal organs herniate into the chest through a defect in the diaphragm, the abdominal cavity appears emptier and the abdomen looks sunken. This displacement also compromises lung development on the affected side, contributing to respiratory distress after birth. Other conditions listed don’t typically produce a sunken abdomen: cystic fibrosis with meconium ileus causes abdominal distension from intestinal obstruction; meconium aspiration causes respiratory symptoms without a sunken abdomen; epiglottitis presents with airway symptoms rather than abdominal findings. So the association is with a diaphragmatic hernia.