Fecopneumothorax secondary to a late traumatic diaphragmatic injury

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias were first described by Ambroise Paré in 1579, who reported the case of an artillery captain, that presented an intestinal perforation that had caused a diaphragmatic hernia (Bhatti and Dawani, 2015). The timely diagnosis of a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia can be a challenge, which requires extensive knowledge of the kinematics of trauma, as well as clinical and radiological evidence (Petrone et al., 2017). We present the case of a 60-year-old male who presented blunt abdominal trauma due to a traffic accident, causing an undetected diaphragmatic hernia in his initial evaluation; months after de incident goes to the emergency room (ER) with hemodynamic instability and septic shock. A diagnosis of complicated diaphragmatic hernia and fecopneumothorax is made, for which he undergoes surgery.

Clinical, surgical, and radiographic aspects in a white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia / Aspectos clínicos, cirúrgicos e radiográficos em um Gambá-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) com hérnia diafragmática traumática

This is the case of a specimen of Didelphis albiventris with signs of respiratory difficulty after a dog attack. Thoracic radiographic examination revealed pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, and rib fracture, but no alteration compatible with diaphragmatic hernia was observed. Pneumothorax was reduced and the other alterations were treated. However, clinical manifestations persisted, and thus a contrast-gastrointestinal radiographic study was performed, showing abdominal organs in the thoracic cavity and loss of diaphragmatic line. The surgical approach was instituted, with access to the diaphragm through median laparotomy. Through the diaphragmatic rupture, present in the left antimere, there were herniated liver and gastric portions, intestinal segments, and omentum. After inspection and repositioning of the abdominal organs, the diaphragm raffia was performed with single sutures interrupted with 3-0 Nylon thread. The patients complete recovery occurred 14 days after the surgical procedure, with remission of clinical manifestations and normality of thoracic images in radiographic studies.(AU)

Esse é o caso de um espécime de Didelphis albiventris com sinais de dificuldade respiratória após ataque por cão. O exame radiográfico torácico revelou pneumotórax, contusão pulmonar e fratura de costelas, porém nenhuma alteração com-patível com hérnia diafragmática foi observada. O pneumotórax foi reduzido e as demais alterações tratadas. Contudo; houve a persistência das manifestações clínicas, e dessa forma um estudo radiográfico gastrointestinal contrastado foi realizado, sendo evidenciados órgãos abdominais na cavidade torácica e perda da linha diafragmática. A abordagem cirúrgica foi instituída, com acesso ao diafragma por meio de laparotomia mediana. Através da ruptura diafragmática, presente no antímero esquerdo, estavam herniadas porções hepáticas e gástricas, segmentos intestinais e omento. Após inspeção e reposicionamento dos órgãos abdominais, a rafia do diafragma foi realizada com suturas simples interrompidas com fio Nylon 3-0. A recuperação completa do paciente ocorreu 14 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico, com remissão das manifestações clínicas e normalidade das ima-gens torácicas nos estudos radiográficos.(AU)

Clinical, surgical, and radiographic aspects in a white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia / Aspectos clínicos, cirúrgicos e radiográficos em um Gambá-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) com hérnia diafragmática traumática

This is the case of a specimen of Didelphis albiventris with signs of respiratory difficulty after a dog attack. Thoracic radiographic examination revealed pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, and rib fracture, but no alteration compatible with diaphragmatic hernia was observed. Pneumothorax was reduced and the other alterations were treated. However, clinical manifestations persisted, and thus a contrast-gastrointestinal radiographic study was performed, showing abdominal organs in the thoracic cavity and loss of diaphragmatic line. The surgical approach was instituted, with access to the diaphragm through median laparotomy. Through the diaphragmatic rupture, present in the left antimere, there were herniated liver and gastric portions, intestinal segments, and omentum. After inspection and repositioning of the abdominal organs, the diaphragm raffia was performed with single sutures interrupted with 3-0 Nylon thread. The patient’s complete recovery occurred 14 days after the surgical procedure, with remission of clinical manifestations and normality of thoracic images in radiographic studies.

Esse é o caso de um espécime de Didelphis albiventris com sinais de dificuldade respiratória após ataque por cão. O exame radiográfico torácico revelou pneumotórax, contusão pulmonar e fratura de costelas, porém nenhuma alteração com-patível com hérnia diafragmática foi observada. O pneumotórax foi reduzido e as demais alterações tratadas. Contudo; houve a persistência das manifestações clínicas, e dessa forma um estudo radiográfico gastrointestinal contrastado foi realizado, sendo evidenciados órgãos abdominais na cavidade torácica e perda da linha diafragmática. A abordagem cirúrgica foi instituída, com acesso ao diafragma por meio de laparotomia mediana. Através da ruptura diafragmática, presente no antímero esquerdo, estavam herniadas porções hepáticas e gástricas, segmentos intestinais e omento. Após inspeção e reposicionamento dos órgãos abdominais, a rafia do diafragma foi realizada com suturas simples interrompidas com fio Nylon 3-0. A recuperação completa do paciente ocorreu 14 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico, com remissão das manifestações clínicas e normalidade das ima-gens torácicas nos estudos radiográficos.

Hernia diafragmática traumática: presentación de un caso / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: a case report

El trauma diafragmático se produce de forma secundaria tras lesiones penetrantes y trauma cerrado del abdomen y tórax. La hernia diafragmática traumática representa una entidad poco frecuente en la clínica. Cuando se presenta constituye un verdadero reto diagnóstico para el internista, cirujano y el radiólogo. Requiere de un alto índice de sospecha y el uso adecuado de las imágenes diagnósticas. El tratamiento siempre es quirúrgico. Por tales razones se presenta el caso de un paciente que fue operado debido a una herida por arma blanca en el tórax y que con posterioridad se le diagnosticó una hernia diafragmática traumática en el lado izquierdo del torax. Volvió a ser operado y la evolución posquirúrgica resultó satisfactoria(AU)

Diaphragmatic trauma is secondary to penetrating injuries and blunt abdominal and thoracic trauma. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon entity. Its diagnosis poses a real challenge to internists, surgeons and radiologists since it requires a high level of suspicion and appropriate use of diagnostic imaging. Surgical treatment is always needed. For these reasons, we present the case of a patient operated on due to a stab wound to the chest who was subsequently diagnosed with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia on the left side of the chest. He underwent surgery again and had a successful postoperative recovery(AU)

Hernia diafragmática postraumática: caso clínico / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: case report

Introducción: las hernias diafragmáticas traumáticas se producen después de un traumatismo cerrado o penetrante. El caso que se reporta en el presente trabajo constituye un diagnóstico incidental e inusual en la clínica para especialistas y personal en formación. Caso clínico: se presenta una mujer con historia de trauma toraco-abdominal por accidente de tránsito hace 30 años, con imagen radiopaca en la radiografía de tórax en la base pulmonar derecha en ocasión de afección respiratoria. La persistencia de la imagen después de tratamiento y remisión del cuadro, hizo posible el diagnóstico incidental de hernia diafragmática por tomografía axial computarizada. Discusión: un alto índice de sospecha es esencial durante la evaluación inicial del paciente con trauma toraco-abdominal contuso o penetrante. Conclusiones: las hernias diafragmáticas postraumáticas representan un desafío clínico y quirúrgico para su diagnóstico.

Introduction. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias occur after blunt or penetrating trauma. The case reported in this article is an incidental and unusual diagnosis in clinical practice. Case. We report a woman with a history of thoraco-abdominal trauma from a road accident that occurred 30 years ago. In the chest X-ray we found a radioopacity in the right lung base resulting from a respiratory infection. The image persisted in spite of effective treatment for the underlying respiratory condition, which made us suspect a diaphragmatic hernia corroborated by computed tomography. Discussion. A high level of suspicion is essential for the initial evaluation of patients with blunt or penetrating thoraco-abdominal trauma. Conclusions. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias constitute a clinical challenge both for diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Hernia diafragmática traumática / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in an adult

Se describe el caso clínico de una paciente de 48 años de edad, quien había sufrido traumatismo toracoabdominal izquierdo cerrado desde hacía 8 meses, la cual fue ingresada en el Hospital Dr Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo de Santiago de Cuba por presentar dolor abdominal en hipocondrio izquierdo, de un mes de evolución. Los exámenes imagenológicos realizados confirmaron que se trataba de una hernia diafragmática izquierda, con presencia del ángulo esplénico del colon en el hemitórax izquierdo. La fémina fue intervenida quirúrgicamente y egresó sin complicaciones(AU)

The case report of a 48-year-old woman is described, who had left blunt thoracoabdominal injury for 8 months and was admitted to Dr. Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo Hospital of Santiago de Cuba to present with abdominal pain in left hypochondrium a month earlier. Imaging tests confirmed a left diaphragmatic hernia with presence of splenic flexure in the left hemithorax. She underwent surgery and was discharged without complications(AU)

Hernia diafragmática traumática: presentación de un caso / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: presentation of a case

La hernia diafragmática traumática constituye un problema poco frecuente para el cirujano general, necesitándose un elevado índice de sospecha para su diagnóstico, especialmente en los pacientes portadores de un trauma cerrado. Se presenta un paciente masculino de 40 años de edad, portador de una hernia diafragmática traumática formada por estómago y epiplón mayor, secundaria a un trauma toroco-abdominal en accidente automovilístico, en el que se práctica video toracoscopía izquierda, que permite realizar el diagnóstico correcto. Se exponen los datos clínicos del paciente, su manejo, tratamiento quirúrgico efectuado y su posterior evolución...(AU)

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a little frequent problem for the general surgeon, needing a high level of suspicion for the diagnosis, especially in patients carrying a closed trauma. We present the case of a male, 40-years-old patient, with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia formed by stomach and greater omentum, secondary to a thoraco-abdominal trauma in automobile accident. A left video thoracoscopy allows arriving to the correct diagnosis. We expose the clinical data of the patient, his management, the surgical treatment applied and his subsequent evolution...(AU)

Hernia diafragmática traumática: presentación de un caso / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: presentation of a case

La hernia diafragmática traumática constituye un problema poco frecuente para el cirujano general, necesitándose un elevado índice de sospecha para su diagnóstico, especialmente en los pacientes portadores de un trauma cerrado. Se presenta un paciente masculino de 40 años de edad, portador de una hernia diafragmática traumática formada por estómago y epiplón mayor, secundaria a un trauma toroco-abdominal en accidente automovilístico, en el que se práctica video toracoscopía izquierda, que permite realizar el diagnóstico correcto. Se exponen los datos clínicos del paciente, su manejo, tratamiento quirúrgico efectuado y su posterior evolución...

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a little frequent problem for the general surgeon, needing a high level of suspicion for the diagnosis, especially in patients carrying a closed trauma. We present the case of a male, 40-years-old patient, with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia formed by stomach and greater omentum, secondary to a thoraco-abdominal trauma in automobile accident. A left video thoracoscopy allows arriving to the correct diagnosis. We expose the clinical data of the patient, his management, the surgical treatment applied and his subsequent evolution...

Hernia diafragmática postraumática: reporte de un caso / Posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia: report of a case

La hernia diafragmática traumática es poco frecuente en niños y aún continúa siendo una patología de difícil diagnóstico siendo un desafío para cirujanos y radiólogos, diagnosticándose tardíamente hasta en más de la mitad de los casos, dejando una hernia diafragmática latente, que puede manifestarse con síntomas que varían desde inespecíficos hasta la estrangulación de un asa intestinal. - Es considerada un indicador de gravedad del trauma y presenta una elevada tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad. - El objetivo de esta publicación es presentar un caso de hernia diafragmática secundario a un trauma toracoabdominal cerrado. Reportamos el caso de un niño de 4 años atropellado que presentó una hernia diafragmática derecha, Con una excelente evolución clínica...(AU)

A importância da propedêutica em ferimentos tóraco-abdominais à esquerda por arma branca / The importance of propedeutic on left thoracoabdominal region stab wounds

O diafragma pode ser lesado tanto nos traumas contusos quanto nos penetrantes. A incidência de lesão diafragmática nas feridas penetrantes na região tóraco-abdominal esquerda por arma branca varia de 20 a 24. A porcentagem de assintomáticos pode atingir 30 e a lesão, usualmente, é clinicamente despercebida. A maioria dos casos apresenta alterações radiológicas mínimas. A principal complicação é a hérnia estrangulada, que aumenta a taxa de mortalidade de 3 a 7 para 25 a 30 . O alto índice de suposição é o fator mais importante para o diagnóstico. O uso da videolaparoscopia diagnóstica e terapêutica, em casos selecionados, diminuiu o número de laparotomias brancas. A baixa sensibilidade diagnóstica associada à clínica e aos procedimentos radiológicos requer abordagem intervencionista para que as lesões diafragmáticas sejam rapidamente diagnosticadas e evitadas futuras complicações.

Diaphragmatic rupture occurs after blunt or penetrating wound. The incidence of diaphragmatic rupture in patients with penetrating wounds in the left thoracoabdominal area varies from 20 to 24. The rupture is observed in up to 30 of asymptomatic patients and is not usually detected by physical exam. In most cases, radiological investigation shows minimal alterations. The main complication is the strangulated hernia, which rises the mortality rate from 3-7 to 25-30 . A high grade of clinical suspicion is the main contributor to elucidate the diagnostic. The use of diagnostic and therapeutic videolaparoscopy has downsized the number of white laparotomies. Considering the low sensitivity of clinical exam and radiological investigation, an aggressive approach to diagnose diaphragmatic lesions and avoid future complications is recommended.

Hernia diafragmática traumática / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia

Presentación del caso de un paciente masculino que ingresa al servicio de guardia presentando hernia diafragmática izquierda, con cuadro clínico compatible con oclusión intestinal y antecedente de lesión por proyectil de arma de fuego en hemitórax izquierdo hace 8 años. Al cual se le realizan como procedimientos terapéuticos en forma sucesiva, colostomía transversa en asa, luego toracotomía / reparación del defecto herniario y por ultimo cierre de colostomía.(AU)

Hernia diafragmática traumática / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia

Presentación del caso de un paciente masculino que ingresa al servicio de guardia presentando hernia diafragmática izquierda, con cuadro clínico compatible con oclusión intestinal y antecedente de lesión por proyectil de arma de fuego en hemitórax izquierdo hace 8 años. Al cual se le realizan como procedimientos terapéuticos en forma sucesiva, colostomía transversa en asa, luego toracotomía / reparación del defecto herniario y por ultimo cierre de colostomía.

Ruptura diafragmática traumática: un diagnóstico que puede ser desapercibido / Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: a diagnostic that could be unperceived

Paciente mujer de 17 años, procedente y residente de la provincia Ingavi, del Departamento de La Paz; ingresó al servicio de Emergencias del Instituto Nacional del Tórax (INT) con el antecedente de habersufrido tres semanas antes, una contusión accidental sobre el hemitórax derecho, durante un juego de fútbol, acompañada de pérdida de la conciencia y recuperación de la misma después de 30 minutos sin atención médica.

Controversies in the management of asymptomatic patients sustaining penetrating thoracoabdominal wounds.

The most challenging diagnostic issue in the management of thoracoabdominal wounds concerns the assessment of asymptomatic patients. In almost one-third of such cases, diaphragmatic injuries are present even in the absence of any clear clinical signs. The sensitivity of noninvasive diagnostic tests is very low in this situation, and acceptable methods for diagnosis are limited to videolaparoscopy or videothoracoscopy. However, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia and present real, and potentially unnecessary, risks for the patient. On the other hand, diaphragmatic hernias, which can result from unsutured diaphragmatic lesions, are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. In this paper, the management of asymptomatic patients sustaining wounds to the lower chest is discussed, with a focus on the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries and the necessity of suturing them.

[Post trauma diaphragmatic hernia]. / Hernia diafragmática postraumática.

UNLABELLED: Posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernias may occur after blunt or penetrating trauma. Due to coexisting injuries and the silent nature of the diaphragmatic lesions, the diagnosis can sometimes be missed in the acute phase and may present later on with obstructive symptoms due to incarcerated organs in the diaphragmatic defect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We perform a retrospective study of all operated cases at our institution during the last 20 years. RESULTS: 23 patients were included, 17 men and 6 women. 21 patients presented antecedents of blunt trauma and 2 of penetrating one. 7 patients were diagnosed in acute phase, manifesting as acute abdomen and hemodynamic instability. 13 patients were diagnosed in chronic phase, 4 of them with respiratory symptoms and 9 with bowel obstruction symptoms. 3 patients were asymptomatic and the diagnosis was an incidental finding. 12 patients underwent elective surgery and 11 emergency surgery, 7 of them in acute phase and 4 in chronic complicated one. Abdominal approach was performed in all the patients. Laparoscopic approach was unsuccessfully tried in one patient. The hernia was located in the left hemidiaphragm in 16 patients, in the right one in 6 and in one case the defect was bilateral. Mesh was placed in only 2 cases. Intraoperative mortality appeared in one patient with acute diaphragmatic hernia due to coexisting hepatic lesions and morbidity appeared in only 1 patients, presented as a respiratory sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare clinical entity of difficult diagnosis. In the chronic phase, there is a high risk of visceral strangulation or respiratory symptoms.

Controversies in the management of asymptomatic patients sustaining penetrating thoracoabdominal wounds: [review]

The most challenging diagnostic issue in the management of thoracoabdominal wounds concerns the assessment of asymptomatic patients. In almost one-third of such cases, diaphragmatic injuries are present even in the absence of any clear clinical signs. The sensitivity of noninvasive diagnostic tests is very low in this situation, and acceptable methods for diagnosis are limited to videolaparoscopy or videothoracoscopy. However, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia and present real, and potentially unnecessary, risks for the patient. On the other hand, diaphragmatic hernias, which can result from unsutured diaphragmatic lesions, are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. In this paper, the management of asymptomatic patients sustaining wounds to the lower chest is discussed, with a focus on the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries and the necessity of suturing them.

Hernia diafragmática postraumática latente, como causa de muerte súbita en un adulto mayor / Postraumatica latent diaphragmatic hernia, as a cause of sudden death in a elderly person

Se presenta el caso de un adulto mayor, conocido consumidor habitual de licor, con antecedente de politraumatismo por precipitación 11 meses atrás, e historia de sintomatología inespecífica y muerte súbita. Al realizarse la autopsia médico legal se encontró una hernia diafragmática traumática izquierda, con el estómago completamente dentro de la cavidad pleural de ese lado. La hernia diafragmática traumática es una complicación conocida y poco común del trauma toraco abdominal cerrado, que puede permanecer latente por períodos prolongados y pasar inadvertido en un adulto mayor, haciendo que su diagnóstico diferido sea un verdadero reto para el médico. Además, puede manifestarse súbitamente, en el peor de los casos, con la muerte. Desde el punto de vista médico legal, este caso constituye una excepción, pues se trata de una muerte súbita que no obedeció a causas naturales.

Hernia de morgagni: Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Morgagni hernia: Report of one case and review of the literature

Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 2 años de edad con historia de neumopatía crónica, cuyos estudios diagnosticaron que se trataba de una hernia diafragmática derecha de Morgagni. Por lo que fue operada en el Hospital de Especialidades del Instituto Hondureño del Seguro Social en forma exitosa. La hernia diafragmática de Morgagni es una patología rara, constituye menos del 5% de todas las hernias diafragmáticas y el presente caso es el primero en reportarse en la literatura médica hondureña...