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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Traumatic diaphragmatic herniation presenting as a delayed tension faecopneumothorax
M J Ramdass1, S Kamal, A Paice
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK. jimmyramdass@gmail.com
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|September 22, 2006
Summary
A rare case of delayed tension pneumothorax occurred 5 years after diaphragmatic trauma. This highlights the importance of considering peritoneal communication with air and fluid drainage, and recognizing masked diaphragmatic hernias in tension pneumothorax cases.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Delayed presentation of tension pneumothorax is uncommon.
- Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries can have long-term, unforeseen consequences.
- Understanding rare complications of diaphragmatic trauma is crucial for surgical outcomes.
Observation:
- A patient presented with tension pneumothorax 5 years after a diaphragmatic injury.
- The pneumothorax contained both air and serous fluid, suggesting a peritoneal communication.
- The diaphragmatic hernia was not immediately apparent, potentially masked by the condition.
Findings:
- The case illustrates a delayed tension faecopneumothorax secondary to diaphragmatic trauma.
- Serous fluid drainage alongside air in suspected tension pneumothorax warrants consideration of a peritoneal communication.
- Spontaneous tension pneumothorax is rare; alternative diagnoses must be considered.
Implications:
- Clinicians should suspect peritoneal communication when draining air and significant serous fluid in tension pneumothorax.
- Masked diaphragmatic hernias can occur with tension pneumothorax, requiring thorough evaluation.
- This case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up for diaphragmatic injuries.
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