Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
05:51
Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: January 31, 2025
Transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia: imaging aspects in three cases
Ana Carolina Sandoval Macedo1, Fernando Uliana Kay, Ricardo Mingarini Terra
1Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Coughing can induce transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernias, a rare condition typically caused by trauma. This study details three such cases, showcasing imaging findings for this uncommon hernia type.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Thoracic surgery
- Diagnostic radiology
Background:
- Transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia (TIH) is a rare condition.
- TIH is predominantly associated with traumatic injuries, both blunt and penetrating.
- Spontaneous or non-traumatic etiologies for TIH are infrequently reported.
Observation:
- Three distinct cases of TIH were observed.
- All cases were spontaneously induced by severe coughing episodes.
- The hernias involved protrusion through the intercostal spaces into the thoracic cavity.
Findings:
- Radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were utilized.
- Imaging demonstrated characteristic herniation of abdominal contents into the chest.
- Specific anatomical details and defect sizes were visualized across modalities.
Implications:
- Highlights a non-traumatic cause of TIH, emphasizing the role of increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Demonstrates the utility of various imaging techniques in diagnosing TIH.
- Contributes to understanding the pathophysiology and diagnostic imaging of cough-induced hernias.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
01:25Muscles of the Thorax
The thorax muscles are central to the body's respiration and provide essential support and movement for the upper body. They are intricately designed to facilitate the complex breathing process while also contributing to the structural integrity and mobility of the chest and upper limbs.
The diaphragm is at the core of thoracic musculature, the primary muscle involved in breathing. This expansive, dome-shaped muscle marks the division between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It originates...
The diaphragm is at the core of thoracic musculature, the primary muscle involved in breathing. This expansive, dome-shaped muscle marks the division between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It originates...
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...