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[Rare complication of a post-traumatic left diaphragmatic hernia]
A Aissa1, A Hassine1, H Hajji2
1Service d'imagerie médicale, hôpital Ibn El Jazzar Kairouan, BP 132, Kairouan sud, 3131 Kairouan, Tunisie.
Revue De Pneumologie Clinique
|September 18, 2013
Summary
Post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, often affecting the left side, can be missed until complications like gastric volvulus arise. This case highlights CT diagnosis in a young adult with gastric volvulus secondary to diaphragmatic injury.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Diaphragmatic hernias are often unrecognized injuries resulting from trauma.
- The left hemidiaphragm is the most common site for such injuries.
- Diagnosis is frequently delayed until a complication occurs.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of gastric volvulus.
- The patient had a history of trauma, though the diaphragmatic injury was not initially diagnosed.
- Computed Tomography (CT) was utilized for diagnostic evaluation.
Findings:
- CT scan revealed a gastric volvulus.
- The underlying cause was identified as a post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.
- The left hemidiaphragm was the affected site.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in patients with unexplained abdominal symptoms.
- CT imaging is crucial for diagnosing both gastric volvulus and the associated diaphragmatic defect.
- Early recognition and management of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries can prevent life-threatening complications.
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