CTICasesPost-Radiofrequency Ablation Diaphragmatic Hernia
Imaging findings
Multi-detector CT scans obtained several years apart in a patient who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for a right-lobe hepatocellular carcinoma demonstrate a progressive right hemidiaphragmatic defect. Over time, there is increasing herniation of extraperitoneal fat and a portion of the liver through the diaphragmatic defect into the right hemithorax.
Key takeaways
Diaphragmatic injury and subsequent hernia formation is a rare but recognized complication of thermal ablation (such as RFA or microwave ablation) of subdiaphragmatic hepatic tumors. Thermal energy can damage the muscular fibers of the adjacent diaphragm, leading to necrosis and a focal defect that can slowly enlarge over time under the influence of positive intra-abdominal and negative intrathoracic pressure.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Type B Aortic DissectionVascular
- Extrapleural Hematoma and Esophageal RuptureTrauma
- IgG4-Related DiseaseAutoimmune
- Pulmonary Artery SarcomaNeoplastic
- Pembrolizumab-Induced Sarcoid-Like ReactionInflammatory
- Metastatic Renal Cell CarcinomaNeoplastic
- Minimally Invasive Pulmonary AdenocarcinomaNeoplastic
- Invasive Pulmonary AdenocarcinomaNeoplastic
See all cases from May 5, 2017 →
Related Iatrogenic cases
- Low-Positioned Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump causing Mesenteric Ischemia
- Venous Air Embolism and Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
- Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction by Mitral Valve Bioprosthesis
- Mitral Annuloplasty Ring Dehiscence with Paravalvular Regurgitation
- Riata Pacemaker Lead Externalization
- Selective Left Pulmonary Edema due to Impella RP Malposition