Pulmonary hernia in a two-year-old child

Jenna Fine1, Bryan S Walters1, Alysia A Agnoni1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Geisinger Health System, Janet Weis Children's Hospital, 100 N. Academy Avenue, M.C. 21-70, Danville, PA 17822, USA.

Case Reports in Surgery
|October 21, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary hernia, a rare condition where lung tissue protrudes through the chest wall, can result from trauma. This case details the successful surgical repair of a pulmonary hernia in a pediatric patient following chest trauma.

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pulmonary hernia, or lung herniation, involves lung parenchyma protruding beyond the thoracic wall.
  • It is a rare condition, classified as congenital or acquired, with acquired cases often linked to chest trauma.
  • Acquired pulmonary hernias can arise from blunt or penetrating chest injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a case of acquired pulmonary hernia in a pediatric patient.
  • To document the diagnostic and surgical management of a traumatic pulmonary hernia.
  • To contribute to the limited literature on the surgical treatment of pulmonary hernias.

Main Methods:

  • A case report of a two-year-old male with a history of chest trauma.
  • Diagnostic imaging to identify pneumothorax and pulmonary herniation.
  • Surgical intervention via diagnostic thoracoscopy and hernia repair.

Main Results:

  • Imaging confirmed a small pneumothorax and pulmonary herniation in the left lower chest.
  • The patient underwent successful surgical repair of the pulmonary hernia in the 7th intercostal space.
  • The procedure was performed without complications.

Conclusions:

  • Acquired pulmonary hernia can occur following chest trauma, even in young children.
  • Surgical repair is an effective treatment for traumatic pulmonary hernias.
  • This case adds to the understanding of managing pulmonary hernias.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
4.6K
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
1.6K
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance...
22
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
19
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
986
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal 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...
25