[Case of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia whose diagnosis was delayed by mechanical ventilation]

A 39-year-old male was admitted to our ICU following traffic accident. The major symptoms were short breathness and unconsciousness due to cerebral hemorrhage. He was treated by mechanical ventilation which delayed the diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. On the 6 day after traffic accident we performed thoracotomy and repaired ruptured diaphragm. It was difficult to diagnose the patient as diaphragmatic hernia who was treated by mechanical ventilation.