title: Epigastric hernia and its etiology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Controversies still prevail as to how exactly epigastric hernia occurs. Both the vascular lacunae hypothesis and the tendinous fibre decussation hypothesis have proved to be widely accepted as possible explanations for the etiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a patient who suffered from early-onset epigastric hernia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe the identification of the ligamentum teres and its accompanying vessel at its fascial defect supports the vascular lacunae hypothesis. However, to further our understanding, biopsy of the linea alba in patients with epigastric hernias is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Tung Wah Hospital, 12 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong SAR, China.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged