Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs
Published on: December 22, 2023
Intrathoracic caecal perforation presenting as dyspnea
Vincent Granier1, Emmanuel Coche, Philippe Hantson
1Service des Soins Intensifs, Cliniques Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
Introduction. Bochdalek hernia is a congenital defect of the diaphragm that is usually diagnosed in the neonatal period and incidentally in asymptomatic adults. Small bowel incarceration in a right-sided Bochdalek hernia is exceptional for an adult. Case Presentation. A 54-year-old woman was admitted for acute dyspnea, tachycardia, hypotension, and fever. Five days before, she had been experiencing an episode of diffuse abdominal pain. The admission chest X-ray was interpreted as right pleural effusion and pneumothorax with left mediastinal shift. Chest tube drainage was purulent. The thoracoabdominal CT examination suspected an intestinal incarceration through a right diaphragmatic defect. At laparotomy, a right-sided Bochdalek hernia was confirmed with a complete necrosis of the incarcerated caecum. Ileocaecal resection was performed, but the patient died from delayed septic complications. Conclusion. Intrathoracic perforation of the caecum is a rare occurrence; delayed diagnosis due to misleading initial symptoms may lead to severe complications and poor prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
