Delayed presentation of a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with intrapericardial herniation

Abstract

Thoracic and abdominal blunt traumas are the major causes of diaphragmatic rupture. These ruptures may be recognized at the time of the initial trauma, but are diagnosed months or even years later during the workup for related symptoms. We present herein a patient who suffered from abdominal pain and dyspnea years after a motor vehicle accident. A chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated diaphragmatic rupture with intrapericardial herniation of intraabdominal organs. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis. In this report, we describe our management of this unusual diaphragmatic rupture.