Delayed rupture of the diaphragm following blunt trauma.
A case of blunt trauma to the left chest and abdomen is presented. At initial laparotomy, the diaphragm was found to be intact. However, due to respiratory distress on the third postoperative day, a pneumoperitoneum was carried out: it confirmed the diagnosis of delayed rupture of the diaphragm. Primary repair was achieved without complications.
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011028:Pneumoperitoneum, Artificial; D011859:Radiography; D012421:Rupture; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D013997:Time Factors; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis