Rupture of the right hemidiaphragm following blunt trauma: the use of ultrasound in diagnosis

Clin Radiol. 1990 Aug;42(2):97-101. doi: 10.1016/s0009-9260(05)82076-8.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Diaphragm / diagnostic imaging
  • Diaphragm / injuries*
  • Diaphragm / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Rupture
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnosis*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / pathology