Bilateral blunt diaphragmatic rupture

Abstract

Blunt diaphragmatic rupture is an uncommon injury and even less common is the bilateral form. This entity poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the treating team. Despite the advances in diagnostic modalities, it remains a difficult diagnosis leading to missed or late presentations with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a 12-year-old girl who sustained a blunt abdominal trauma and found to have left hemidiaphragmatic rupture for which she underwent laparotomy and repair. Postoperatively, persistent elevation of the right hemidaiphragm was noticed, and right-side rupture was suspected and confirmed by collar sign on repeated computed tomography scan. The second repair was done successfully through a right posteriolateral thoracotomy. She improved dramatically and was discharged in an optimal state to be followed in the surgical outpatient department.

Keywords

• Blunt trauma
• diaphragm
• repair