Nontraumatic massive right-sided Bochdalek hernia in an adult: an unusual presentation

Am J Emerg Med. 2011 Mar;29(3):356.e5-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2010.03.034. Epub 2010 Aug 2.

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernias in adults usually pose a diagnostic challenge; the presentations are varied and range from acute abdominal pain with features of gut obstruction, pleuritic chest pain, breathlessness, to a pregnant woman with pain abdomen. The usual cause in adults is posttraumatic. Because of varied presentations, the diagnosis is often delayed. We present a case of a young woman who presented with sudden-onset breathlessness with similar episodes in the past and no history of trauma, who proved to be having a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. This case is reported not only because of rarity of nontraumatic right-sided Bochdalek hernias in adults, but also because of peculiar presentation and history.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diaphragm / diagnostic imaging
  • Diaphragm / pathology
  • Female
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / diagnosis*
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / diagnostic imaging
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / pathology
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / surgery
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult