Bochdalek hernia of diaphragm in the adult. Diagnosis by computed tomography

Two cases of asymptomatic Bochdalek hernia in adults with identical roentgenographic findings are reported. Computed tomography (CT) in each case revealed a round mass with a low attenuation coefficient identical to that of adipose tissue, abutting the thoracic surface of the diaphragm and connecting with the subdiaphragmatic density through a diaphragmatic defect. A case of diaphragmatic lipoma was also presented for demonstration of the CT differentiation between lipoma and hernia of the diaphragm. The CT findings for a Bochdalek hernia are characteristic enough for making a definite diagnosis and render other diagnostic modalities unnecessary.