Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with underlying lung laceration and tension pneumoperitoneum

Tension pneumoperitoneum is commonly caused by gastrointestinal perforation and pulmonary causes are extremely rare. We present a case of a 47-year-old male post motor vehicle accident with a suspected left-sided haemopneumothorax on initial chest x-ray. CT of the chest post chest tube insertion showed a left-sided diaphragmatic rupture and an extensive diaphragmatic hernia. While en-route to the operating theatre, the intubated patient developed tension pneumoperitoneum with positive pressure ventilation and required immediate surgical intervention and repair. A review of the literature around tension pneumoperitoneum and diaphragmatic hernia in trauma is discussed.