Diaphragmatic Hernia Masquerading as Pleural Effusion

Abstract

Rupture of the diaphragm is almost always due to major trauma. We present here an unusual and rare case of late presentation of diaphragmatic hernia after an innocuous injury. The patient was initially misdiagnosed as a left pleural effusion on the basis of chest X.ray and ultrasound findings. Finally, the diagnosis was confirmed on computerized scanning.

Keywords: Pleural effusion, CT scan, diaphragmatic hernia