Spontaneous lung herniation: A rare ultrasound diagnosis

Protrusion of lung tissue, through the intercostal space and musculature but yet remaining covered by skin, is called lung herniation. As per the Morel-Lavellée classification, 2 etiologic herniation groups are recognized: congenital and acquired, with acquired further divided into traumatic, spontaneous, and pathological. Spontaneous lung hernias are mainly rarely diagnosed and may often be confused with other conditions or missed altogether. A case of acquired, atraumatic, spontaneous intercostal lung herniation of idiopathic etiology is presented, and diagnosed incidentally on ultrasonography while being evaluated for management of a mimicking pathology.