Hernia of the lung: a case report and review of literature

Lung hernia is a protrusion of pulmonary tissue through an abnormal defect in the wall of the thoracic cavity. Though the hernias may be congenital, they are usually acquired following a penetrating injury and surgical intervention. Symptoms are usually vague and infrequent. Pain and discomfort may be present at the site of a chest swelling that increases with forced expiration and valsalva and is readily reducible. Diagnosis may be confirmed radiologically by an oblique chest roentgenogram or a computed tomographic scan. Lung hernias only occasionally require surgical repair. We report the case of a 38-year-old man with acquired lung hernia, through a thoracotomy scar, and presenting as chest pain. A review of the literature is presented.