Rupture of the right hemidiaphragm following blunt trauma: the use of ultrasound in diagnosis.
Diaphragmatic rupture occurs in approximately 5% of patients who sustain multiple trauma and post-mortem studies suggest that right-sided rupture is more common than generally realized. Four cases of rupture of the right hemidiaphragm secondary to blunt trauma are presented. The chest radiographs were all similar, demonstrating a right sided fluid collection and right lower lobe consolidation in all patients. No patient had a pneumothorax. CT was useful only in retrospect, demonstrating a posterior eventration of the liver into the thorax in two patients. Ultrasound proved diagnostic in all cases demonstrating either the free edge of the diaphragm as a flap within the pleural fluid or the liver herniating into the thorax. The value of ultrasound as a simple, non-invasive and direct means of imaging the diaphragm is emphasized.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.
J M
JM
Somers
F V
FV
Gleeson
C D
CD
Flower
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012421:Rupture; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology