Traumatic diaphragmatic herniation presenting as a delayed tension faecopneumothorax.
This article reports an unusual case of delayed presentation of a tension faecopneumothorax after traumatic injury to the diaphragm 5 years previously. Three important clinical lessons are highlighted: (a) for suspected tension pneumothorax, if a considerable quantity of serous fluid is drained in addition to air, a communication with the peritoneal cavity should be considered; (b) spontaneous tension pneumothorax is an extremely rare condition and other causes should be kept in mind; and (c) in the presence of a tension pneumothorax and diaphragmatic hernia, the contents of the visceral sac may be completely reduced and the hernia may be masked.
Ramdass
M J
MJ
Department of Vascular Surgery, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK. jimmyramdass@gmail.com
Kamal
S
S
Paice
A
A
Andrews
B
B
D000328:Adult; D003106:Colon / Q000293:injuries*; D005243:Feces; D006549:Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications