Diaphragmatic rupture by blunt trauma: a report of three cases

ABSTRACT

We report three cases of diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt trauma managed in our hospital during the period from September 1995 to January 2000. The injuries were due to motor-vehicle accidents. All patients were males, with ages ranging from 25 to 80 years. Two patients presented acutely with left hemidiaphragmatic rupture and stomach herniation into the thorax. Both suffered associated skeletal injuries. The third patient presented 4 years after the traumatic event with right diaphragmatic hernia that contained strangulated bowel. Postoperative complications relating to the diaphragmatic hernia occurred in the patient that presented late. These three cases underscore the importance of plain chest radiography [CXR] in the early diagnosis of this type of injury