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Traumatic Intra-pericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia

Traumatic Intra-pericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia▶ Watch on YouTube — age-restricted, cannot embed here

Imaging findings

CT demonstrated significant fat interposed between the myocardium and pericardium, with an abnormal diaphragmatic contour and a clear defect. This represented herniation of sub-diaphragmatic fat into the pericardial space. An older CT from 2011 showed a more subtle version of this finding. Associated findings included evidence of remote blunt trauma to the left chest wall with displaced rib fractures.

Key takeaways

This case illustrates a rare presentation of a diaphragmatic hernia, specifically an intra-pericardial hernia caused by remote blunt trauma, which can cause symptoms like chest discomfort. The herniation of fat into the pericardial space through a diaphragmatic defect highlights the varied presentations of post-traumatic diaphragmatic injuries.

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