CTICasesUnrepaired/Chronic Traumatic Rupture of the Left Hemidiaphragm
Imaging findings
Radiographs show a "frosty" left base opacity and multiple healed rib fractures on both sides. CT and MRI spanning from 2002 to 2021 demonstrate a defect in the left hemidiaphragm with herniation of abdominal fat into the left hemithorax, with the spleen and colon remaining below the diaphragm.
Key takeaways
Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture can remain undiagnosed for decades, appearing as an incidental "frosty" or pleural-like opacity on chest radiographs. Fat-only herniation can have an indolent course without acute strangulation or complications over many years.
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