Congenital diaphragmatic eventration in an adult: a diagnostic dilemma

Eventration of the diaphragm is a rare condition where the muscle is permanently elevated, but retains its continuity and attachments to the costal margins. It is seldom symptomatic and often requires no treatment, but may be confused with a traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. We present a 51-year-old man with previously-undiagnosed congenital eventration, mimicking traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. The role of clinical examination, imaging and diagnostic laparoscopy to differentiate between eventration and traumatic rupture of the diaphragm are discussed.