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Hepatobiliary study. Left hepatic lobe herniation into the thorax
H Moskowitz1, R P Spencer, H R Shapiro
1Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|June 1, 1994
Summary
A car accident caused a young woman to develop breathing difficulties. Imaging revealed herniated liver lobes and gallbladder in her chest, a rare condition mimicking a thoracic mass.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Thoracic surgery
- Hepatobiliary disease
Background:
- Motor vehicle accidents can cause severe trauma.
- Intrathoracic masses can present with respiratory symptoms.
- Hepatic herniation is a rare post-traumatic complication.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old woman presented with cough and dyspnea post-trauma.
- Chest radiography showed an intrathoracic mass obscuring the cardiac silhouette.
- Hepatobiliary imaging was crucial for diagnosis.
Findings:
- The "mass" was identified as herniation of the left hepatic lobe and part of the right lobe.
- The gallbladder was also found within the right hemithorax.
- This case highlights diaphragmatic injury and subsequent herniation.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of post-traumatic intrathoracic contents is vital.
- Prompt surgical intervention may be necessary for symptomatic hepatic herniation.
- This case expands the differential diagnosis of post-traumatic chest abnormalities.