Eventration with diaphragm perforation leading to secondary diaphragmatic hernia and intestinal strangulation

We report a rare occurrence of a previously asymptomatic eventration that presented with intestinal obstruction followed by respiratory distress. The thinned out diaphragm had a nontraumatic perforation with herniation of the small bowel through the narrow defect. The herniated gut became strangulated and dilated inside the thorax, resulting in respiratory compromise. The rare occurrence of this vicious cycle of obstruction and respiratory failure leading to a sudden clinical deterioration in a previously stable patient is described.