Three-dimensional image of Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia; a case report

A 60-year-old man was found to have a mass shadow on the left posterior diaphragm by chest roentgenogram. He was examined by spiral computed tomography (CT) using the Somatom Plus-S. Transaxial, coronal, sagittal, and three-dimensional (3D) imagings were performed. Transaxial, coronal, and sagittal images of CT scans demonstrated not only a large defect of the posteromedial portion of the left diaphragm, but also two small defects on the right side. The spleen was identified through the left-side defect, and subdiaphragmatic fat through the right-side defects. He was diagnosed as having bilateral Bochdalek hernia. 3D Imaging was also useful for stereographic perception of Bochdalek hernia. Although Bochdalek hernia is not rare, to our knowledge, this is the first case of Bochdalek hernia observed by spiral CT 3D imaging.