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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
05:51
Measuring Diaphragm Thickness and Function Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Published on: November 3, 2023
[Traumatic tear of the diaphragm]
L García Huete1, J C Cabrera Ruiz-Lopera, P Maestre Alcácer
1Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación Hospital de Bellvitge Prínceps d'Espanya, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona.
Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Traumatic diaphragm tears are rare but serious in patients with multiple injuries. Early suspicion and diagnosis are crucial for managing these complex cases, especially when abdominal contents herniate into the chest.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Multiple injuries pose significant diagnostic and management challenges.
- Chest and abdominal trauma can lead to severe, often overlooked, complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic tears in patients with chest and/or abdominal trauma.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis in patients with multiple injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study over 9 months in an Emergency Resuscitation Unit.
- Analysis of patients with abdominal trauma, chest trauma, and multiple injuries.
- Review of diagnostic methods including X-ray, barium meal, and perioperative findings.
Main Results:
- Six cases (2.3%) of traumatic diaphragm tears identified among 260 patients with chest/abdomen involvement.
- Four patients presented with thoracic herniation of abdominal contents.
- Diagnosis was suspected via X-ray, confirmed by barium meal or perioperatively.
- Associated injuries were common, with four patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
Conclusions:
- Traumatic diaphragm tears are infrequent but critical injuries in polytrauma patients.
- High index of suspicion is necessary for timely diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are vital for improving patient outcomes in complex trauma cases.
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