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Seizure attack and Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia: incidental diagnosis or direct correlation?

Monica Zisa1, Elia Pulvirenti, Adriana Toro

  • 1Department of Surgical Sciences, Organ Transplantation and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Italy.

Updates in Surgery
|February 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Morgagni hernia, often asymptomatic, can present with gastrointestinal issues or be found incidentally. This case highlights a 76-year-old man whose seizure attack led to the diagnosis of a Morgagni hernia.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Diaphragmatic Surgery

Background:

  • Morgagni hernia, a congenital diaphragmatic defect, is typically asymptomatic in adults but can manifest with gastrointestinal symptoms or be an incidental finding.
  • Obesity and increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as during seizure-induced muscle contractions, may contribute to the presentation of Morgagni hernia.

Observation:

  • A 76-year-old male presented with an incidental diagnosis of a seizure attack.
  • Imaging revealed herniation of omentum, small bowel, and transverse colon into the right thoracic cavity, consistent with Morgagni hernia.

Findings:

  • Surgical repair was performed using an open transabdominal approach.
  • The diaphragmatic defect was closed by direct suturing after excision of the hernia sac.

Implications:

  • Surgical intervention for Morgagni hernia can effectively resolve symptoms.
  • Resolution of shortness of breath post-surgery suggests diaphragmatic hernia can impact respiratory function, especially when exacerbated by other conditions.

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