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Published:
Jan 31, 2024Keywords:
Right diaphragmatic hernia; adult diaphragmatic hernia; non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia; congenital diaphragmatic hernia; spontaneous diaphragmatic hernia; strangulated diaphragmatic hernia; obstructed diaphragmatic hernia
Article Details
Issue
Section
Case Report
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Main Article Content
Hydrothorax and air fluid levels in the right chest – A diagnostic dilemma
TB Rangaka
AB Ogunrombi
A Abd Elrahman
Abstract
A diaphragmatic defect that permits abdominal contents to herniate into the right side of the chest is rare. In adults with right-sided diaphragmatic hernias, few occur without a history of trauma, and even fewer are symptomatic. This case report illustrates such a case and the rare entity of an anterolaterally located hernia. Although uncommon and easily missed, consequences of diaphragmatic hernias can be disastrous. The importance of a combination of high clinical suspicion and the use of computed tomography (CT) to aid diagnosis, and the dangers of a surgical condition being incorrectly assessed and admitted to a non-surgical specialty are highlighted in this case.
