This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Clinical features

Authoring team

The clinical features of a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture vary according to the amount of viscera that herniates into the thorax. There may be some degree of intestinal obstruction:

  • plain X-ray may show a solid mass if the primary herniated structure is the omentum or may reveal several fluid levels if hollow viscera herniate
  • the passage of a nasogastric tube into a herniated stomach is diagnostic
  • fluroscopic studies may reveal the stomach protruding through a diaphragmatic defect
  • barium study of the colon may show irregular patches of barium in the colon above the diaphragm, or a smooth colonic outline if there are no faeces in the colon

Haemorrhage and obstruction are important complications. If the herniation is massive, progressive cardiorespiratory insufficiency may threaten life.

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.