"Diagnosis" of a hiatal hernia from a CT coronary artery calcium scan

Edmund Kenneth Kerut1, John T Balart2

  • 1Heart Clinic of Louisiana, Marrero, LA, USA.

Insights

Identifying a hiatal hernia on computed tomography (CT) scans can be subjective. This study highlights key CT features that suggest a hiatal hernia, which may cause chest pain.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Hiatal hernias can be a cause of chest pain.
  • Computed tomography (CT) is frequently used for imaging the chest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify subjective CT findings suggestive of hiatal hernia.
  • To raise awareness of CT features indicative of hiatal hernia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of axial imaging from coronary artery calcium score exams.
  • Analysis of CT features associated with hiatal hernia.

Main Results:

  • CT identification of hiatal hernia is often subjective.
  • Several specific CT features are diagnostic or suggestive of hiatal hernia.

Conclusions:

  • Awareness of CT findings suggestive of hiatal hernia is important.
  • Recognizing these features can help diagnose chest pain etiology.

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