Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a serious complication of abdominal or thoracic trauma. It is considered a rare pathology. The diagnosis is difficult and can often go unnoticed. Objective: The purpose of this clinical case is to demonstrate the need to suspect the presence of diaphragmatic hernia in patients with thoracoabdomial trauma. Case Presentation: Seventy-five-year-old patient who suffers a traffic accident. At initial evaluation no clinical-radiological alterations were observed, but later the patient presented an unfavorable evolution with radiographic finding of a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Conclusions: Diaphragmatic hernia, when present, is a real challenge for the diagnosis by the medical staff since it requires a high index of suspicion and an adequate use of diagnostic images. It is considered an important entity in the evaluation of the trauma patient.

Keywords

• hernia diafragmática
• trauma
• diagnóstico.