Delayed presentation of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm

J Okla State Med Assoc. 2003 Apr;96(4):181-3.

Abstract

Ruptured diaphragm as a result of blunt trauma can present acutely or late in the disease, process. Late presentation is often a result of herniation of abdominal contents into the thorax. Patients may present with nonspecific symptoms, and may complain of chest pain, abdominal pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, or cough. Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis. Diagnostic tools include chest radiograph, CT scan, and MRI. The treatment for rupture of the diaphragm is surgical. The authors report a case of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm presenting 20 years after an automobile accident with blunt trauma to the abdomen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Diaphragm / injuries*
  • Empyema, Pleural / complications
  • Empyema, Pleural / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rupture / diagnosis
  • Rupture / etiology
  • Rupture / surgery
  • Thoracotomy / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnosis*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery