Abstract
Background: Diaphragmatic rupture remains a diagnostic challenge because of the lack of an accurate test demonstrating the injury. Diaphragmatic rupture after thoracoabdominal trauma is uncommon, with a reported incidence ranging from 1% to 3% of patients suffering blunt trauma. Most ruptures are on the left side; with right sided diaphragmatic injury being the subject of a few case reports. Herniation of the liver through a ruptured diaphragm is rarer still. Case Report: We report a rare case of right sided diaphragmatic rupture with herniation of the liver in a 58 year old polytrauma patient. An initial chest X-ray had only revealed a right hemothorax, which was confi rmed on tube thoracostomy. At laparatomy a large tear in the right diaphragm with signifi - cant intrathoracic displacement of the liver was encountered. A thoracoabdominal approach was used to reposition the liver and repair the diaphragm. Conclusions: We discuss the pathophysiology, diffi culties associated with diagnosis and treatment options of diaphragmatic injuries.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 66-68 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | American Journal of Case Reports |
Volume | 10 |
State | Published - Dec 1 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Medicine(all)