Asymptomatic giant hiatal hernia with double heart shadow

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Giant hiatal hernias are rare, comprising 0.3% of all hiatal hernias.
• They can present asymptomatically or with vague symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of giant hiatal hernia.
• To highlight the incidental diagnosis in an elderly patient presenting with polytrauma.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an elderly male patient.
• Diagnostic evaluation during management of polytrauma.

Main Results:

• Incidental diagnosis of a giant hiatal hernia.
• The hernia was discovered during the workup for polytrauma, not as the primary complaint.

Conclusions:

• Giant hiatal hernias, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even in trauma patients.
• Incidental findings during trauma evaluation can reveal significant underlying conditions.