Left diaphragmatic hernia after a mild blunt trauma in Syria: a case report

Left side traumatic diaphragmatic hernias (DH) are very rare and usually present acutely. They might represent after years of minor trauma, and they should be considered among differentials to avoid complications. We present a 28-year-old female coming with acute epigastric pain radiating into the chest with dyspnea and vomiting. Her history was negative for trauma and other than very minor trauma two years earlier. Chest X-ray showed atelectasis with mild pleural effusion. Computed tomography scan showed several cavities, filling the left chest with a gaseous liquid level. Surgery was performed that demonstrated DH and the abdominal viscera were returned to the abdomen without any complications. Traumatic DHs can be easily overlooked with the absent of recent major trauma. They can represent years after the original trauma with acute symptoms, which can make it hard to diagnosis if not considered.