Helical CT with sagittal and coronal reconstructions: accuracy for detection of diaphragmatic injury

Approach to Acute Traumatic and Nontraumatic Diaphragmatic Abnormalities

Acute diaphragmatic abnormalities encompass a broad variety of relatively uncommon and underdiagnosed pathologic conditions, which can be subdivided into nontraumatic and traumatic entities. Nontraumatic abnormalities range from congenital hernia to spontaneous rupture, endometriosis-related disease, infection, paralysis, eventration, and thoracoabdominal fistula. Traumatic abnormalities comprise both blunt and penetrating injuries. Given the role of the diaphragm as the primary inspiratory muscle and the boundary dividing the thoracic and abdominal cavities, compromise to its integrity can yield devastating consequences. Yet, diagnosis can prove challenging, as symptoms may be vague and findings subtle. Imaging plays an essential role in investigation. Radiography is commonly used in emergency evaluation of a patient with a suspected thoracoabdominal process and may reveal evidence of diaphragmatic compromise, such as abdominal contents herniated into the thoracic cavity. CT is often superior, in particular when evaluating a trauma patient, as it allows rapid and more detailed evaluation and localization of pathologic conditions. Additional modalities including US, MRI, and scintigraphy may be required, depending on the clinical context. Developing a strong understanding of the acute pathologic conditions affecting the diaphragm and their characteristic imaging findings aids in efficient and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, understanding the appearance of diaphragmatic anatomy at imaging helps in differentiating acute pathologic conditions from normal variations. Ultimately, this knowledge guides management, which depends on the underlying cause, location, and severity of the abnormality, as well as patient factors. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

The silent threat: A retrospective study of right-sided traumatic diaphragmatic hernias in a university hospital

Objectives

In hospital attendance, 75% of diaphragmatic hernias occur on left as opposed to 25% on the right side. Right side hernias are associated with abdominal injuries, mainly the liver. However, right-side injuries are frequently underdiagnosed due to the complexity of associated injuries and high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of records from our clinical experience to investigate demographics, TM, diagnosis, morbidity, and mortality associated with right sided TDH. These findings may provide insights into improving the clinical management of patients with this serious injury, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality rates.

Material and Methods

Retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients from the trauma database of the Division of Trauma Surgery at University of Campinas in 32-year period was performed. Only records of patients with right sided TDH were included in the analysis.

Results

Blunt trauma was the most common mechanism. Diagnoses were made by laparotomy in eight cases, all these cases were hemodynamically unstable. TDH grade III injury occurred in most cases followed by grade IV. Liver injuries were present in almost all cases, most of them high grade, followed by colon and small bowel. Extra-abdominal associated injuries with a predominance of femur fractures, pelvic fractures and hemothorax. Post-operative complications were associated with length of stay in intensive care unit. Pneumonia was the most frequent complication. The overall mortality rate was 16%.

Conclusion

Most diagnoses were performed through laparotomy and not by radiologic exams, due to hemodynamic instability on admission. There is underdiagnosis of right-side TDH due to the high-energy trauma mechanism with high grade associated injuries and mortality on pre-hospital.

Twenty-year perspective on blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury in level 1 trauma centre: Early versus delayed diagnosis injury patterns and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI) is typically associated with severe trauma and concomitant injuries. It is a diagnostic challenge in the setting of blunt trauma and can be easily overlooked especially in the acute phase often dominated by concurrent injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with blunt-TDI identified from a level 1 trauma registry. Variables associated with early versus delayed diagnosis as well as non-survivor and survivor groups were collected to examine factors associated with delayed diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients were included (mean age 46 ± 20, 60.6% male). Diagnosis was made <24 h in 126 (81.3%), and >24 h in 29 (18.7%). Of the delayed diagnosis group, 14 (48%) were diagnosed >7 days. Overall, 27 (21.4%) patients had a diagnostic initial CXR and 64 (50.8%) had a diagnostic initial CT. Fifty-eight (37.4%) patients were diagnosed intraoperatively. Of the delayed diagnosis group, 22 (75.9%) had no initial signs on CXR or CT, 15 (52%) of this group had persistent pleural-effusions/elevated-hemidiaphragm leading to further investigation and diagnosis. No significant difference in survival was observed between early and delayed diagnoses, no clinically significant injury patterns to predict delayed diagnoses were noted.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of TDI is challenging. Without frank signs of herniation of abdominal contents on CXR or CT, the diagnosis is often not made on initial imaging. In patients with the evidence of blunt traumatic injury in the lower-chest/upper-abdomen, a high degree of clinical suspicion should be held and follow-up CXRs/CTs arranged.

Laparoscopic Repair of a Right-Sided Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Technical Report

Introduction: Occult diaphragmatic hernias after trauma are relatively rare and may present months to years after the traumatic event. Clinical presentations range from asymptomatic incidental findings on imaging to life-threatening incarceration of abdominal visceral organs. This study presents a case of a patient with a symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia secondary to a trauma >30 years prior. A literature review of this defect was performed examining the pathophysiology, presentation, and operative considerations. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old male with a history of multiple traumatic motor vehicle accidents 30 years prior presented with abdominal pain and obstructive symptoms. Axial imaging demonstrated a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia defect containing small intestine, colon, and omentum. He ultimately underwent a transabdominal laparoscopic repair of the defect with mesh buttressing. Postoperative the patient recovered well and was discharged without complications. Conclusion: Limited data outside of case reports exist for surgical management of occult diaphragmatic hernias secondary to trauma. Reported management options include open and minimally invasive thoracic as well as open and minimally invasive abdominal approaches; each with advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the defect size, both primary repair and repair with mesh reinforcement are appropriate options. More data comparing the approach and repair technique are needed to determine the best technique.

The Role of Thoracic Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest Wall, the Mediastinum, and the Diaphragm-Narrative Review and Pictorial Essay

The diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound extend far beyond the evaluation of the pleural space and lungs. Sonographic evaluation of the chest wall is a classic extension of the clinical examination of visible, palpable, or dolent findings. Unclear mass lesions of the chest wall can be differentiated accurately and with low risk by additional techniques such as color Doppler imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and, in particular, ultrasound-guided biopsy. For imaging of mediastinal pathologies, ultrasound has only a complementary function but is valuable for guidance of percutaneous biopsies of malignant masses. In emergency medicine, ultrasound can verify and support correct positioning of endotracheal tubes. Diaphragmatic ultrasound benefits from the real-time nature of sonographic imaging and is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of diaphragmatic function in long-term ventilated patients. The clinical role of thoracic ultrasound is reviewed in a combination of narrative review and pictorial essay.

Postoperative diaphragmatic hernia following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: A case report

Postoperative diaphragmatic hernia (DH) following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis is extremely rare. We present a 21-year-old female patient who developed a left DH with herniation of the stomach and gastric perforation on the first postoperative day after undergoing bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy R4 ablation. She complained of severe dyspnea and chest pain, and an emergency chest x-ray and computed tomography revealed left pleural effusion, collapsed lung, and left DH, which allowed the stomach to herniate into the chest. Emergency thoracoscopic surgery was performed. We repaired the diaphragmatic defect intraoperatively and replaced the stomach with the peritoneal cavity from the thoracic field. The patient was discharged without complications. She did not present with recurrent symptoms at the 3-month follow-up. Postoperative DH should be considered when patients complain of gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms after sympathectomy, although it is very rare.

Current trends in the diagnosis and management of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries: A systematic review and a diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis of blunt trauma

BACKGROUND

Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries (TDI) are wounds or ruptures of the diaphragm due to thoraco-abdominal trauma. Nowadays, CT-scan is considered the gold standard for TDI diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the current diagnostic accuracy of CT-scan in the diagnosis of TDI and describe the management of this type of injury.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched the literature in a systematic fashion using online databases, including Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. Human studies investigating the diagnosis and the following management of TDI were included. Pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative likelihood (with corresponding 95% confidence intervals) were analyzed based on the bivariate model for blunt TDI. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies was used for the quality assessment of selected articles. The PROSPERO registration number was as follows: CRD42022301282.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies published between 2001 and 2019 were included. All included studies reported a contrast-enhanced computed tomography as the preferred method to obtain diagnostic imaging. Left-sided TDI was the type of injury most frequently found. False negative TDI at CT-scan were more frequent than false positive TDI (11.13 ± 23.24 vs. 2.66 ± 6.65). Six studies on blunt TDI were included in the meta-analysis, showing a high sensitivity [0.80 (95%CI 0.65-0.90)] and specificity [0.98 (95%CI 0.89-1.00)] of the CT-scan in detecting TDI. Overall, 7 articles reported laparotomy as the method of choice to repair TDI. Only 3 studies reported a laparoscopic and/or thoracoscopic approach to TDI repair.

CONCLUSION

CT-scan has a good sensitivity and specificity for blunt TDI diagnosis. However, TDI diagnosis and management are often delayed. The use of water-soluble contrast in CT-scan should be considered when the diagnosis of TDI is not defined after the first scan, and clinical suspicion is still high. In this context, a highly trained trauma team is essential for trauma management and correct imaging interpretation.

Diagnosing penetrating diaphragmatic injuries: CT scan is valuable but not reliable

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of penetrating isolated diaphragmatic injuries can be challenging because they are usually asymptomatic. Diagnosis by chest X-ray (CXR) is unreliable, while CT scan is reported to be more valuable. This study evaluated the diagnostic ability of CXR and CT in patients with proven DI.

METHODS

Single center retrospective study (2009-2019), including all patients with penetrating diaphragmatic injuries (pDI) documented at laparotomy or laparoscopy with preoperative CXR and/or CT evaluation. Imaging findings included hemo/pneumothorax, hemoperitoneum, pneumoperitoneum, elevated diaphragm, definitive DI, diaphragmatic hernia, and associated abdominal injuries.

RESULTS

230 patients were included, 62 (27%) of which had isolated pDI, while 168 (73%) had associated abdominal or chest trauma. Of the 221 patients with proven DI and preoperative CXR, the CXR showed hemo/pneumothorax in 99 (45%), elevated diaphragm in 51 (23%), and diaphragmatic hernia in 4 (1.8%). In 86 (39%) patients, the CXR was normal. In 126 patients with pDI and preoperative CT, imaging showed hemo/pneumothorax in 95 (75%), hemoperitoneum in 66 (52%), pneumoperitoneum in 35 (28%), definitive DI in 56 (44%), suspected DI in 26 (21%), and no abnormality in 3 (2%). Of the 57 patients with isolated pDI the CXR showed a hemo/pneumothorax in 24 (42%), elevated diaphragm in 14 (25%) and was normal in 24 (42%).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiologic diagnosis of DI is unreliable. CT scan is much more sensitive than CXR. Laparoscopic evaluation should be considered liberally, irrespective of radiological findings.

Predictors of blunt diaphragm injury in Australia

Introduction

Blunt diaphragm injury (BDI) is an uncommon, potentially fatal consequence of blunt torso injury. While associations between BDI and other factors such as mechanism of injury or other injuries have been described elsewhere, little recent research has been done in Australia into BDI. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence rate of BDI in our centre, identify how it was diagnosed, determine rates of missed injury and identify predictive factors for BDI. The hypothesis was that patients with BDI would significantly differ to those without BDI.

Methods

All major trauma patients with blunt torso injuries at our Level 1 major trauma service from 2010 to 2018 were included. Data for patient demographics, other injuries, diagnosis and treatment of BDI were extracted. Patients with BDI were compared with patients without BDI in order to identify differences that could be used to predict BDI in future patients.

Results

Of 5190 patients with a blunt torso injury, 51 (0.98%) had a BDI at a mean age of 53 ± 19.6 years, and median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 27(IQR 21–38.5) compared with 5139 patients with a mean age of 48.2 ± 20.7 years and median ISS of 21.9(IQR 14–26) who did not have a BDI. The diagnosis of BDI was made at CT ( n = 35), surgery ( n = 14) or autopsy ( n = 2). Blunt diaphragm injury was missed on index imaging for 11 of 43 patients (25.6%). On multivariate analysis, each point increase in ISS (OR 1.03, p = 0.02); rib fractures (OR 4.65, p = 0.004); splenic injury (OR 2.60, p = 0.004); and liver injury (OR 2.78, p = 0.003) were independently associated with BDI.

Conclusion

Injury Severity Score, rib fractures and solid abdominal organ injury increase the likelihood of BDI. In patients with these injuries, BDI should be considered even in the presence of normal CT findings.

Missed injuries in trauma patients: the value of a diagnostic thoracotomy or thoracoscopy during surgical stabilisation of rib fractures

PURPOSE

Over the last decade Surgical Stabilisation of Rib Fractures (SSFR) gained popularity in our hospital. With increased numbers, we noted that frequently injuries were missed during primary/secondary survey and radiological imaging that were found during the surgical procedure. With this observation, the research question was formulated: What is the value of diagnostics thoracotomy or thoracoscopy during surgical stabilisation of rib fractures?

METHODS

In a single-centre, retrospective study between February 2010 and December 2019, trauma patients who underwent Surgical Stabilisation of Rib Fractures (SSFR) and an inspection thoracotomy were included. All radiological injuries were compared with intraoperative findings. Missed injuries that were discovered during the surgical procedure that were not analysed during primary/secondary survey or on radiological imaging were recorded and retrospectively analysed by an independent radiologist.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included. Eight patients had additional injuries; all had a diaphragmatic rupture, one patient had an additional stomach laceration, and another patient had a significant lung laceration in need of surgical repair. On a CT scan there are 7 signs of predictive value for a diaphragmatic rupture. Only 13 out of the total of 56 diaphragm rupture CT signs were confirmed on the primary CT scans of the eight patients with diaphragmatic injuries; therefore, still 77% of signs could not be confirmed by initial radiological findings.

CONCLUSION

With the recent shift towards surgical stabilisation of rib fractures, an inspection thoracoscopy or thoracotomy during SSFR should be considered to minimise the incidence of missed intrathoracic injuries requiring early or late surgical treatment.

Acute Diaphragmatic Injuries Associated with Traumatic Rib Fractures: Experiences of a Major Trauma Centre and the Importance of Intra-Pleural Assessment

Background

Diaphragmatic injuries following blunt or penetrating thoraco-abdominal trauma are rare, but can be life-threatening. Rib fractures are the most common associated injury in patients with a traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI). We hypothesized that the pattern of rib fracture injuries could dictate the likelihood of acute TDIs.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out between April 2014 and October 2018 to analyze patients with TDIs and rib fractures at a major trauma center in London, United Kingdom.

Results

Over the study period, 1,560 patients had rib fractures, of whom 14 had associated diaphragmatic injuries. Left-sided diaphragmatic injuries were found in 8 patients (57%) . A significant proportion of the rib fractures were located posterolaterally (44.9%). The highest frequency of fractures was found in ribs 5–10, which accounted for 74% of all the fractures. Ten patients underwent surgery, of whom 7 were diagnosed with a diaphragmatic injury intraoperatively after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery assessment of the pleural cavity. Two patients died due to severe injuries of other organs and the remaining 2 patients were managed conservatively.

Conclusion

Our series of patients demonstrates a relationship between significant rib fractures and diaphragmatic injuries in trauma patients, and the diagnostic difficulties in identifying the condition. We found that the location of the rib fractures and the pattern of injury in patients with TDIs were much lower and posterolateral in the chest wall without a preference for laterality. We suggest using a thoracoscope in patients undergoing chest wall surgery post-trauma to aid in diagnosing this condition.

Decreased Length of Stay After Laparoscopic Diaphragm Repair for Isolated Diaphragm Injury After Penetrating Trauma

BACKGROUND

Isolated diaphragm injury (IDI) occurs in up to 30% of penetrating left thoracoabdominal injuries. Laparoscopic abdominal procedures have demonstrated improved outcome including decreased postoperative pain and length of stay (LOS) compared to open surgery. However, there is a paucity of data on this topic for penetrating IDI. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and outcome of laparoscopic diaphragmatic repair versus open diaphragmatic repair (LDR vs ODR) of IDI.

METHODS

The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2016) was queried for patients with IDI who underwent ODR versus LDR. A bivariate analysis using Pearson chi-square and Mann-Whitney test was performed to determine LOS among the two groups.

RESULTS

From 2039 diaphragm injuries, 368 patients had IDI; 281 patients (76.4%) underwent ODR and 87 (23.6%) underwent LDR. Compared to LDR, the ODR patients were older (median, 31 vs 25 years, P < .001) and had a higher injury severity score (mean, 11.2 vs 9.6, P = .03) but had similar rates of intensive care unit LOS, unplanned return to the operating room, ventilator days, and complications (P > .05). Patients undergoing ODR had a longer LOS (5 vs 4 days, P = .01), compared to LDR. There were no deaths in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Trauma patients presenting with IDI undergoing ODR had a longer hospital LOS compared to patients undergoing LDR with no difference in complications or mortality. Therefore, we recommend when possible an LDR should be employed to decrease hospital LOS. Further research is needed to examine other benefits of laparoscopy such as postoperative pain, incisional hernia, and wound-related complications.

Usefulness of CT-scan in the management of chest stab trauma: a prospective observational study

PURPOSE

The management of chest stab wounds necessitates to perform an efficient imaging strategy. Compared to chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan has a higher sensitivity. Nevertheless, the utility of diagnosing occult injuries remains controversial. Previous studies reported very different rates of management modifications induced by CT-scan. Indeed, no study specifically addressed the issue of ruling out traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI) in the specific population of chest stab trauma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rate of thoracic procedures induced or guided by the results of thoracic CT-scan in the specific population of chest stab wounds. Secondary objective was to evaluate the utility of CT-scan for the diagnosis of TDI.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study. All consecutive patients referred to the acute care unit were included. We recorded the general characteristics of patients, the localization of wounds, all imaging tests, the final injury diagnosis, and the patients' management. We compared patients with modifications of management induced by CT-scan results to other patients. We evaluated the performance of CT-scan for the diagnosis of TDI by calculating its sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV).

RESULTS

153 patients were included. There were 92 patients with normal chest X-ray. 67 of them received a CT-scan. 34 (51%) patients had an abnormal CT-scan, including 19 (21%) patients with thoracic new findings, with 3 (4.5%) modification of management. There were 50 patients who had an abnormal chest X-ray. 31 of them received a CT-scan, and 31 (100%) had an abnormal CT-scan, including 19 thoracic new findings, with 11 (36%) modifications of management. The diagnostic performance of CT-scan for TDI was: sensitivity 50%; specificity 95%; NPV 72%; PPV 88%.

CONCLUSIONS

In chest stab trauma, CT-scans may be unnecessary outside the thoracoabdominal zone when chest X-ray is normal. In other cases, CT-scan seems to have an impact on the decision-making. In case of thoracoabdominal wounds, CT-scan helps to detect intra-abdominal injuries. The performance of CT-scan to diagnose TDI is not high enough to reliably rule out all TDI.

Experience with acute diaphragmatic trauma and multiple rib fractures using routine thoracoscopy

Background

Diaphragmatic injury is mostly caused by blunt or penetrating traumas. It is an uncommon diagnosis and therefore carries the risk of being misdiagnosed or delayed in diagnosis. In our institution, we perform routine thoracoscopy for the management of patients with traumatic rib fractures. We have noted several cases of occult diaphragmatic injuries and hypothesize that these injuries may be more of a penetrating injury from rib fractures as opposed to the high velocity blunt trauma typically associated with diaphragmatic injuries.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was performed on all patients admitted to our facility with rib fractures and traumatic diaphragmatic injuries. We looked at our trauma experience between January 2015 and January 2018.

Results

Twenty-three patients with traumatic diaphragmatic injuries were found. Twenty-one of the diaphragmatic injuries were from blunt trauma. A total of 15 had associated rib fractures. Six of the blunt traumatic diaphragm injuries did not have rib fractures but had evidence of intra-abdominal injuries. The rib fracture pattern in the diaphragmatic injury group consistently involved rib fractures at or below the fifth rib.

Conclusions

We conclude that thoracoscopy may prove to be helpful in the algorithm for the work up of an occult diaphragmatic injury. The diagnostic yield appears to be greatest in patients with multiple rib fractures involving the lower chest wall even in the absence of intra-abdominal injuries or radiographic evidence of diaphragmatic abnormalities.

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: Single-center experience with 38 patients

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (BTDR) is uncommon, but is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to present our experience with management of this injury. Medical records of 38 patients with BTDR who were treated in our hospital from January 2001 to June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The sex, age, cause of injury, location of rupture, mode of diagnosis, time to diagnosis, the presence of herniation and bowel perforation, the presence of preoperative shock and intubation, Injury Severity Score (ISS), associated injuries, comorbidity, the operative procedure, morbidity and mortality, and the predictive factors affecting the outcome of BTDR were evaluated. There were 32 men (84.2%) and 6 women (15.8%) with a mean age of 51.2 years (range 18-84 years). The diagnosis could be preoperatively established in 28 patients (73.7%) with a plain chest X-ray or computed tomography scan. Rupture of diaphragm was left-sided in 31 patients (81.6%), right-sided in 6 (15.8%), and bilateral in 1 (2.6%). Sixteen patients had preoperative shock (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg, heart rate >120/min). Initial operative approaches were laparotomy in 22 patients (57.9%) and thoracotomy in 16 (42.1%). Eleven required additional exploration. The rate of additional exploration was higher in patients who initially underwent thoracotomy than laparotomy (56.2% vs 9.1%, P = .003). Patients who underwent additional exploration had a significantly longer operation time (330 minutes vs 237.5 minutes, P = .012), and a significantly higher morbidity rate (72.7% vs 22.2%, P =.008). Overall mortality was observed in 6 patients (15.8%). The mortality was associated with right-sided TDR (P = .042) and preoperative shock (P = .003). Neither ISS nor delay in diagnosis posed a statistically significant risk to the outcome of patients. Intra-abdominal organ injuries are more common than intrathoracic injuries in patients with BTDR, indicating that laparotomy should be the initial approach in these patients. Preoperative shock and right-sided TDR are predictive of mortality after BTDR.

Imaging and Management of Thoracic Trauma

Thoracic injury results from penetrating and blunt trauma and is a major contributor to overall trauma morbidity and mortality in the United States. Modern imaging algorithms utilize ultrasound, chest radiograph, and computed tomography with intravenous contrast to accurately diagnose and effectively treat patients with acute thoracic trauma. This review focuses on the etiologies, signs and symptoms, imaging, and management of several life-threatening thoracic injuries including tracheobronchial rupture, pulmonary parenchymal injury, hemothorax, pneumothorax, diaphragmatic rupture, and axial skeleton injury.

The breadth of the diaphragm: updates in embryogenesis and role of imaging

The diaphragm is an unique skeletal muscle separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities with a primary function of enabling respiration. When abnormal, whether by congenital or acquired means, the consequences for patients can be severe. Abnormalities that affect the diaphragm are often first detected on chest radiographs as an alteration in position or shape. Cross-sectional imaging studies, primarily CT and occasionally MRI, can depict structural defects, intrinsic and adjacent pathology in greater detail. Fluoroscopy is the primary radiologic means of evaluating diaphragmatic motion, though MRI and ultrasound also are capable of this function. This review provides an update on diaphragm embryogenesis and discusses current imaging of various abnormalities, including the emerging role of three-dimensional printing in planning surgical repair of diaphragmatic derangements.

Evaluation of the multi-slice computed tomography outcomes in diaphragmatic injuries related to penetrating and blunt trauma

PURPOSE

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a diagnostic challenge for both surgeons and radiologists and generally occurs secondary to blunt and penetrating trauma of thoracoabdominal region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

56 patients who underwent surgical procedure due to blunt or penetrating trauma were included to the study.

RESULTS

There were 37 diaphragmatic ruptures in the left side and 19 patients in the right side. The most common radiological finding was "the direct monitoring of defect" (54,3%).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggestive of diaphragmatic rupture must be carefully evaluated in patients with blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma.

Blunt diaphragmatic lesions: Imaging findings and pitfalls

Blunt diaphragmatic lesions (BDL) are uncommon in trauma patients, but they should be promptly recognized as a delayed diagnosis increases morbidity and mortality. It is well known that BDL are often overlooked at initial imaging, mainly because of distracting injuries to other organs. Sonography may directly depict BDL only in a minor number of cases. Chest X-ray has low sensitivity in detecting BDL and lesions can be reliably suspected only in case of intra-thoracic herniation of abdominal viscera. Thanks to its wide availability, time-effectiveness and spatial resolution, multi-detector computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing BDL; several direct and indirect CT signs are associated with BDL. Given its high tissue contrast resolution, magnetic resonance imaging can accurately depict BDL, but its use in an emergency setting is limited because of longer acquisition times and need for patient’s collaboration.

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury: A diagnostic enigma with potential surgical pitfalls

BACKGROUND

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury (BTDI) is an uncommon injury and one which is difficult to diagnose. The objective of this study was to identify features associated with this injury.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study based on records of 354307 blunt trauma victims treated between 1998 and 2013 collected by the Israeli National Trauma Registry.

RESULTS

BTDI was reported in 231 (0.065%) patients. Motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 84.4% of the injuries: 97 (42.0%) were reported as drivers; 54 (23.4%) were passengers; 34 (14.7%) were pedestrians hit by cars; and 10 (4.3%) were on motorcycles. There were more males than females (2.5:1) compared with blunt trauma patients without BTDI (p<.001). Patients with BTDI were significantly younger than blunt trauma patients without BTDI (p<.001). ISS was 9-14 in 5.2%, 16-24 in 16.9%, 25-75 in 77.9%. Urgent surgery was performed in 62% of the patients and 79.7% had surgery within 24h of admission. Mortality was 26.8%. Over 40% of patients with BTDI had associated rib, pelvic and/or extremity injuries. Over 30% had associated spleen, liver and/or lung injuries. Nevertheless, less than 1% of patients with skeletal injuries and less than 2.5% with solid organ injuries overall had associated BTDI. Despite hollow viscus injury being less prevalent, up to 6% of patients with this injury had associated BTDI.

CONCLUSIONS

BTDI is infrequent following blunt trauma. Hollow viscus injuries were more predictive of BTDI than skeletal or solid organ injuries.

Delayed Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia With Bacterial Pleuritis

Thoraco-abdominal blunt trauma may cause traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Here, we report a case of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with herniation of multiple viscera along with bacterial pleuritis without perforation or necrosis. A 72-year-old man presented with severe left-sided chest pain and dyspnea following a fall in the bathroom on the previous day; he had hit the left side and back of the chest against a faucet. Computed tomography (CT) revealed pneumoderma, mediastinal emphysema, pneumothorax, and fractures of the 8th–11th left ribs. We diagnosed traumatic pneumothorax, which was treated by a thoracostomy tube inserted into the pleural space. Approximately 6 months later, he presented again with fever (39.2°C), dyspnea, and coughing. The white blood cell count and C-reactive protein were elevated at 20.3 × 103/μL and 28.7 mg/dL, respectively. A CT scan revealed left-sided pleural effusion and diaphragmatic hernia. Thoracocentesis was performed for the pleural effusion, and bacterial cultivation tests revealed Bacteroides fragilis; therefore, antibiotics were administered for 3 weeks. Subsequently, diaphragmatic hernia repair was performed. Laparotomy via a left subcostal incision revealed a defect measuring 60 × 60 mm; this was repaired with uninterrupted absorbable sutures without using a hernia mesh to avoid infection. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence was noted at the 1-year follow-up. We repaired delayed traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with herniation of multiple viscera by simple suturing without using a hernia mesh following the treatment of associated bacterial pleuritis.

Thoracotomy for Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia

The aim of this retrospective study is to review our experience in the diagnosis and role of thoracotomy for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH). Between January 2008 and June 2014, 23 patients from Yangzhou Medical College (Yangzhou China) and Lishui Center Hospital (Lishui China), who underwent thoracotomy for TDH, were analyzed. The clinical features, imaging findings, operative findings, and outcome of treatment in these patients are presented. There were 23 patients (18 males and 5 females) who underwent surgical procedures due to TDH. The median age of the patients was 43.2 years (range, 15-68 years). The cause of rupture was penetrating trauma in 1 (4.3 %) patient and blunt trauma in 22 (95.7 %) patients. The TDH was left sided in 21 patients and right sided in two patients. The diagnosis was made by chest X-ray (n = 2) and chest or abdominal CT (n = 13) and at thoracotomy based on a high index of suspicion (n = 8). Associated injuries were seen in 21 patients (91.3 %). Twenty-two patients underwent thoracotomy, and one underwent thoracotomy with laparotomy. The mean operating time was 112 min (range, 60-185 min) and the mean blood loss was 116 mL (range, 20-400 mL). The most common herniated organs were the omentum (n = 15), stomach (n = 14), spleen (n = 11), colon (n = 10), small bowel (n = 2), and liver (n = 1). All diaphragmatic defects were repaired using interrupted prolene sutures. The overall mortality rate was 4.3 % (n = 1). The diagnosis of TDH is easily missed or delayed. Chest X-ray and computer tomography (CT), especially chest and abdominal CT, are useful in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic ruptures, and thoracotomy is an effective and successful treatment for TDH.

Multidetector CT for Penetrating Torso Trauma: State of the Art

The use of computed tomography (CT) for hemodynamically stable victims of penetrating torso trauma continues to increase but remains less singular to the work-up than in blunt trauma. Research in this area has focused on the incremental benefits of CT within the context of evolving diagnostic algorithms and in conjunction with techniques such as laparoscopy, endoscopy, and angiographic intervention. This review centers on the current state of multidetector CT as a triage tool for penetrating torso trauma and the primacy of trajectory evaluation in diagnosis, while emphasizing diagnostic challenges that have lingered despite tremendous technological advances since CT was first used in this setting 3 decades ago. As treatment strategies have also changed considerably over the years in parallel with advances in CT, current management implications of organ-specific injuries depicted at multidetector CT are also discussed.

Multiplanar Reformations in the Measurement of Renal Length on CT: Is It Plain Which Plane to Use?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of renal measurement on CT in multiple imaging planes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, three board-certified radiologists retrospectively measured 110 kidneys on CT in 55 consecutive patients. Five measurement methods were used: axial, coronal single image, coronal multiimage, sagittal single image, and sagittal multiimage. The coronal database was sent to a postprocessing workstation, and each radiologist performed a maximum renal measurement using a best off-axis plane that was our reference standard. An ANOVA test with repeated measures and posthoc Bonferroni corrected t tests were performed.

RESULTS

The mean differences (± standard error) compared with the reference standard method were as follows: axial, 7.7 ± 0.7 mm; coronal single image, 13.1 ± 1.4 mm; coronal multiimage, 6.4 ± 0.8 mm; sagittal single image, 6.4 ± 0.6 mm; and sagittal multiimage, 2.8 ± 0.3 mm. The reference standard measurement was larger (p < 0.001), whereas the coronal single-image measurement (p ≤ 0.006) was smaller than all other methods. The sagittal multiimage (p ≤ 0.005) was statistically significantly different from all other methods. There were no statistically significant differences among the axial, coronal multiimage, and sagittal single-image methods (p ≥ 0.088).

CONCLUSION

The single-image coronal method is the least accurate, with an error of approximately 13 mm. The axial, multiimage coronal, and single-image sagittal methods underestimate renal size by approximately 6-8 mm. Multiimage sagittal is the most accurate method for measuring kidneys with an error of approximately 3 mm.

Dual-source CT in blunt trauma patients: elimination of diaphragmatic motion using high-pitch spiral technique

The purpose of this study was to compare diaphragmatic motion on dual-source high-pitch (DS-HP) and conventional single-source (SS) CT scans in trauma patients. Seventy-five consecutive trauma patients who presented to a level one trauma center over a 6-month period were scanned with a standardized whole body trauma CT protocol including both DS-HP chest (pitch = 2.1-2.5) and SS abdominal CT scans. Subjective analysis of diaphragmatic motion was performed by two readers using a four-point motion scale in seven regions of the diaphragm on coronal and axial slices. An overall confidence score to exclude a diaphragmatic tear was determined (1 to 10, 10: completely confident and 1: impossible to exclude). Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Mean confidence score of 9.85 for DS-HP was significantly better than the mean score of 7.66 for SS images (p < 0.0001). Diaphragmatic motion scores and subjective diaphragmatic motion artifact on coronal and axial images were significantly better for DS-HP images in all areas when compared individually (p < 0.0001) and overall (p < 0.0001). Regions of DS-HP (99.2 %) were diagnostic, whereas only 87.0 % % regions on SS were. Complete agreement of motion scores was present in 92 % of cases, with moderate overall agreement for confidence to exclude a diaphragmatic tear (κ = 0.45). Dual-source high-pitch CT scanning is advantageous as it allows for significantly better evaluation of diaphragmatic structures by minimizing motion artifacts on images of freely breathing trauma patients.

Evaluation of diaphragm in penetrating left thoracoabdominal stab injuries: The role of multislice computed tomography

INTRODUCTION

Penetrating left thoracoabdominal stab injuries are accompanied by diaphragmatic injury in 25-30% of cases, about 30% of which later develop into diaphragmatic hernia. This study aimed to determine the role of multislice computed tomography in the evaluation of left diaphragm in patients with penetrating left thoracoabdominal stab wounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study reviewed penetrating left thoracoabdominal stab injuries managed in our clinic between April 2009 and September 2014. The thoracoabdominal region was defined as the region between the sternum, fourth intercostal space, and arcus costa anteriorly and the vertebra, lower tip of scapula, and the curve of the last rib posteriorly. Unstable cases and cases with signs of peritonitis were operated with laparotomy; the remaining patients were closely monitored. Forty-eight hours later, a diagnostic laparoscopy was applied to evaluate the left hemidiaphragma in asymptomatic patients who did not need laparotomy. The preoperatively obtained multislice thoracoabdominal computed tomography images were retrospectively examined for the presence of left diaphragm injury. Then, operative and tomographic findings were compared.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 43 patients, 39 (91%) males and 4 (9%) females of mean age 30 years (range 15-61 years). Thirty patients had normal tomography results, whereas 13 had left diaphragmatic injuries. An injury to the left diaphragm was detected during the operation in 9 (1 in laparotomy and 8 in diagnostic laparoscopy) of 13 patients with positive tomography for left diaphragmatic injury and 2 (in diagnostic laparoscopy) of 30 patients with negative tomography. Multislice tomography had a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI: 48-98%), a specificity of 88% (71-96%), a positive predictive value of 69% (39-91%), and a negative predictive value of 93% (78-99%) for detection of diaphragmatic injury in penetrating left thoracoabdominal stab injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Although diagnostic laparoscopy is the gold standard for diaphragmatic examination in patients with penetrating left thoracoabdominal stab wounds, multislice computed tomography is also valuable for detecting diaphragmatic injury.

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: Pictorial review of CT signs

Blunt diaphragmatic rupture rarely accounts for immediate mortality and may go clinically silent until complications occur which can be life threatening. Although many imaging techniques have proven useful for the diagnosis of blunt diaphragmatic rupture, multidetector CT (MDCT) is considered to be the reference standard for the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury. Numerous CT signs indicating blunt diaphragmatic rupture have been described in literature with variable significance. Accurate diagnosis depends upon the analysis of all the signs rather than a single sign; however, the presence of blunt diaphragmatic rupture should be considered in the presence of any of the described signs. We present a pictorial review of various CT signs used to diagnose blunt diaphragmatic injury. Multiplanar reconstruction is very useful; however, predominantly axial sections have been described in this pictorial review as the images shown are from dual-slice CT.

Traumatic diaphragmatic injury: a review of CT signs and the difference between blunt and penetrating injury

PURPOSE

We aimed to present the frequency of computed tomography (CT) signs of diaphragmatic rupture and the differences between blunt and penetrating trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CT scans of 23 patients with surgically proven diaphragmatic tears (both blunt and penetrating) were retrospectively reviewed for previously described CT signs of diaphragmatic injuries. The overall frequency of CT signs was reported; frequency of signs in right- and left-sided injuries and blunt and penetrating trauma were separately tabulated and statistically compared.

RESULTS

The discontinuous diaphragm sign was the most common sign, observed in 95.7% of patients, followed by diaphragmatic thickening (69.6%). While the dependent viscera sign and collar sign were exclusively observed in blunt-trauma patients, organ herniation (P = 0.05) and dangling diaphragm (P = 0.0086) signs were observed significantly more often in blunt trauma than in penetrating trauma. Contiguous injury on either side of the diaphragm was observed more often in penetrating trauma (83.3%) than in blunt trauma (17.7%).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the mechanism of injury and familiarity with all CT signs of diaphragmatic injury are necessary to avoid a missed diagnosis because there is variability in the overall occurrence of these signs, with significant differences between blunt and penetrating trauma.

Isolated crural hematoma mimicking retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, a unique sign of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: a case report

Diaphragmatic injury following blunt thoracoabdominal trauma is rare and is usually associated with key radiological features like dependent viscera sign, collar sign, diaphragmatic thickening and defects. It may also be associated with secondary signs like intrathoracic herniation of abdominal viscera. Diaphragmatic crura, which are attached to the upper lumbar vertebra represent prominently thickened folds along the posterior diaphragm, are usually inconspicuous on routine Computed Tomography (CT) scans. We present a case of a young patient who sustained a motor vehicle accident and developed difficulty in breathing. CT scan of the patient revealed bilateral crural hematomas, with splenic and renal lacerations and no other sign of diaphragmatic injury. The patient was operated and blunt diaphragmatic rupture was confirmed at surgery.

Imaging in abdominal trauma

Abdominal trauma is increasing and although penetrating wounds are also on the increase, blunt trauma remains more common. The cornerstone of management is accurate diagnosis and the advent of high-quality rapid CT scanning has revolutionised the treatment of serious abdominal injury. It has allowed the introduction of selective non-operative management which is applicable to many low- and intermediate-grade injuries, whereas application of interventional radiology can avert laparotomy in higher grade injuries. This review examines the pathophysiology of the commonest forms of abdominal injury and uses a series of cases to illustrate the impact of modern radiology in management.

Repair of diaphragmatic hernia following spinal surgery by laparoscopic mesh application: a case report and review of the literature

We describe the laparoscopic management of diaphragmatic hernia (DH) caused by vertebral pedicle screw displacement.

A 58-year-old woman underwent surgery for scoliosis and underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation. In the first postoperative (PO)day, she developed mild dyspnea. An anteroposterior chest radiograph revealed bilateral pleural effusion, which was more pronounced on the left side.

A thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, performed in the second PO day, revealed a solid mass in the pleural cavity that was associated with screw displacement, which had also entered into the peritoneal cavity without apparent other lesion of hollow and solid viscous. In the third PO day, after the screw was removed, explorative laparoscopy was carried out. We observed herniation of the omentum through a small diaphragmatic tear. Once the absence of visceral injury was confirmed, we reduced the omentum into the abdomen. Then, we repaired the hernia by applying a dual layer polypropylene mesh over the defect with a 3-cm overlap. The remainder of the postoperative period was uneventful.

Iatrogenic DH due to a pedicle screw displacement has never been described before. In cases of pleural effusion following spinal surgery, rapid assessment and treatment are crucial. We conclude that a laparoscopic approach to iatrogenic DH could be feasible and effective in a hemodynamically stable patient with negative CT findings because it enables the completion of the diagnostic cascade and the repair of the tear, providing excellent visualization of the abdominal viscera and diaphragmatic tears.

Penetrating diaphragmatic injury: accuracy of 64-section multidetector CT with trajectography

PURPOSE

To (a) determine the diagnostic performance of 64-section multidetector computed tomography (CT) trajectography for penetrating diaphragmatic injury (PDI), (b) determine the diagnostic performance of classic signs of diaphragmatic injury at 64-section multidetector CT, and (c) compare the performance of these signs with that of trajectography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study had institutional review board approval, with a waiver of the informed consent requirement. All patients who had experienced penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma, who had undergone preoperative 64-section multidetector CT of the chest and abdomen, and who had surgical confirmation of findings during a 2.5-year period were included in this study (25 male patients, two female patients; mean age, 32.6 years). After a training session, four trauma radiologists unaware of the surgical outcome independently reviewed all CT studies and scored the probability of PDI on a six-point scale. Collar sign, dependent viscera sign, herniation, contiguous injury on both sides of the diaphragm, discontinuous diaphragm sign, and transdiaphragmatic trajectory were evaluated for sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV). Accuracies were determined and receiver operating characteristic curves were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sensitivities for detection of PDI by using 64-section multidetector CT with postprocessing software ranged from 73% to 100%, specificities ranged from 50% to 92%, NPVs ranged from 71% to 100%, PPVs ranged from 68% to 92%, and accuracies ranged from 70% to 89%. Discontinuous diaphragm, herniation, collar, and dependent viscera signs were highly specific (92%-100%) but nonsensitive (0%-60%). Contiguous injury was generally more sensitive (80%-93% vs 73%-100%) but less specific (50%-67% vs 83%-92%) than transdiaphragmatic trajectory when patients with multiple entry wounds were included in the analysis. Transdiaphragmatic trajectory was a much more sensitive sign of PDI than previously reported (73%-100% vs 36%), with NPVs ranging from 71% to 100% and PPVs ranging from 85% to 92%.

CONCLUSION

Sixty-four-section multidetector CT trajectography facilitates the identification of transdiaphragmatic trajectory, which accurately rules in PDI when identified. Contiguous injury remains a highly sensitive sign, even when patients with multiple injuries are considered, and is useful for excluding PDI.

Evaluation of intrapleural contrast-enhanced abdominal pelvic CT-scan in detecting diaphragm injury in stable patients with thoraco-abdominal stab wound: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Many of the patients with thoraco-abdominal stab wound remain asymptomatic; in this regard, previous studies reported that 7-48% of asymptomatic patients had diaphragm injury (DI). Thoracoscopy or multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan is the best method to detect DI. We aimed to evaluate the role of CT scan with intrapleural contrast to rule out DI in stable thoraco-abdominal stab wounds.

METHOD

In a prospective study, we evaluated all haemodynamically stable patients with thoraco-abdominal stab wound, from October 2009 to 2010. Exclusion criteria included patients who needed emergency thoracotomy or laparotomy, those who were haemodynamically unstable and those with blunt trauma or gunshot injury. In the CT-scan department, 500 cc of diluted meglumine diatrozate was transfused into the pleural space via a chest tube and the CT scan was performed from the dome of the diaphragm to the pelvic cavity. In the second step, all patients were taken for thoracoscopy within 24h after admission. The CT-scan slide was considered positive if one of the following signs was found: (1) the diaphragm was obviously injured as seen in CT-scan slides and (2) contrast agent was seen in the peritoneal cavity. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for CT scan and thoracoscopy.

RESULTS

Four out of 40 patients had DI according to thoracoscopy. CT scan with intrapleural contrast predicted diaphragmatic injury correctly in all four patients. Considering thoracoscopy as the gold-standard method, the CT scan had two false-positive cases. The sensitivity of the intrapleural-contrast CT scan was 100% and its specificity was 94.4%.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that CT scan with intrapleural contrast can be an acceptable approach to rule out DI and limit the use of thoracoscopy for final diagnosis and repair of DI in cases with suspicious or positive CT-scan results, especially in trauma centres with high load of trauma patients and little accessible equipment.

Multidetector computed tomography of chest trauma: indications, technique and interpretation

Background

Chest traumas are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in the younger population.MethodsDiagnostic imaging plays a key role in their management. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the most important imaging method in this field. Its advantages include especially high speed and high geometric resolution in any plane.ResultsThe method allows us to view large parts of the body with minimal motion artifacts and to create accurate multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) reformations, which make the diagnosis significantly more accurate. Because of its advantages MDCT has become the first-choice method in high-energy traumas.ConclusionThis article summarises the position of MDCT in the diagnostic algorithm of chest injuries, technical aspects of the examination and imaging findings in traumas of the individual chest compartments.

Teaching Points

• Diagnostic imaging plays a key role in the management of high-energy chest trauma.

• MDCT is the most important imaging method in this kind of injury, as detailed information can be acquired in a short acquisition time.

• Multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) reformattings make the diagnosis significantly more accurate.

CT of blunt diaphragmatic rupture

The diagnosis of blunt diaphragmatic rupture (BDR) is difficult and often missed, leaving many patients with this traumatic injury at risk for life-threatening complications. The potential diagnostic pitfalls are numerous and include anatomic variants and congenital and acquired abnormalities. Chest radiography, despite its known limitations, may still be helpful in the early assessment of severe thoracoabdominal trauma and for detecting initially overlooked BDR or late complications of BDR. However, since the development of helical and multidetector scanners, computed tomography (CT) has become the reference standard; thus, knowledge of the CT signs suggestive of BDR is important for recognition of this injury pattern. A large number of CT signs of BDR have been described elsewhere, many of them individually, but the use of various appellations for the same sign can make previously published reports confusing. The systematic description and classification of CT signs provided in this article may help clarify matters and provide clues for diagnosing BDR. The authors describe 19 distinct CT signs grouped in three categories: direct signs of rupture, indirect signs that are consequences of rupture, and signs that are of uncertain origin. Since no single CT sign can be considered a marker leading to a correct diagnosis in every case of BDR, accurate diagnosis depends on the analysis of all signs present.

[Missed right post-traumatic diaphragmatic injuries: a review of six cases]

INTEREST

Right posttraumatic diaphragmatic injuries are rare; literature relates mainly isolated cases or small series and most often rupture are succeeding of blunt trauma. This series is interesting because the number of cases and the existence of two injuries following a right stab wound.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study between January 2002 and September 2010. We collected the data of initial trauma, clinical, radiological, operative and follow-up for six patients supported for right posttraumatic diaphragmatic injuries.

RESULTS

All injuries were in late presentation. Four injuries were secondary to road traffic accident, and two after stab wound. The time to diagnosis was between 47 days and 15 years. Right posterolateral thoracotomy was the elective approach in the cases with diaphragmatic hernia (5 patients). In one case, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery permits the diagnosis and repair of injury. Mortality was null and morbidity was present in one case from six. Follow-up ranging from 8 months and 42 months don't objectified complications.

CONCLUSION

Right diaphragmatic hernia is terrible sequelae after thoracoabdominal trauma. Surgery becomes more complex at this stage and can be done by thoracotomy. With strong suspicious signs at the first assessment of trauma, exploration by thoracoscopy can always avoid the occurrence of long-term sequelae.

Diaphragmatic injuries after blunt trauma: are they still a challenge? Reviewing CT findings and integrated imaging

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a life-threatening injury that may occur in patients with blunt trauma. At present, supine chest radiographs is the initial, most commonly performed imaging test to evaluate a traumatic injury of the thorax. However, computed tomography (CT) is the imaging tool of choice, as it is the 'gold standard' for the detection of diaphragmatic injury after trauma. In particular, recent literature indicates that multidetector CT with multiplanar reformations has significantly improved in accuracy. Radiologists working in the emergency room should keep in mind the possibility of diaphragmatic injuries and should routinely integrate the axial images CT with multiplanar reformations in order to detect any potential, subtle or doubtful sign of incomplete diaphragmatic injury.

Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Hernia following Blunt Trauma

Diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia due to blunt abdominal trauma requires a high index of suspicion. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of multidetector computed tomogram (MDCT) in the diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. All patients with thoracoabdominal blunt trauma with diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed on radiologic evaluation during a 3-year period (i.e., from June 2004 to June 2007) were analyzed. Nineteen patients with diaphragmatic injuries in 117 patients with blunt thoracoabdominal injury (16.23%) were studied. Age range was 8-60 years (mean 34 years). Male-female ratio was 18:1. Various features seen on CT scan were diaphragmatic discontinuity in 13 (68.42%), thickened diaphragm in 10 (52.63%), "collar sign" in 8 (42.10%), visceral herniation in 12 (63.15%), dependent viscera sign in 8 (42.10%), and segmental nonrecognition of the diaphragm in 1 patient (5.88%). Two patients presented with delayed rupture. In the rest mean duration between time of injury and performance of CT scan was 44.35 h (range 3-288 h). Fourteen patients underwent operative management. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT scan were 100, 93, and 95%, respectively. Three patients (15.78%) expired. MDCT is a highly accurate modality for detecting traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.

Asymptomatic diaphragmatic rupture with retroperitoneal opening as a result of blunt trauma

Blunt traumas of the abdomen and thorax are important clinical problems in pediatric ages. Severity of trauma may not always be compatible with the patients’ clinical situation. A 2-year-old male child was admitted to our emergency clinic as a result of tractor crash accident. Physical examination of the child was normal. The abdominal and thoracic ultrasonography (USG) examination performed in the emergency clinic was normal. In thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient, there was irregularity of the right diaphragmatic contour that was described as micro perforation-rupture (the free air was just in the perihepatic and retroperitoneal area, which was not passing through the abdomen). The patient was followed-up for 1 week in the hospital with a diagnosis of retroperitoneal diaphragmatic rupture. It is not appropriate to decide the severity of trauma in childhood on the basis of clinical findings. Although severe trauma and sustaining radiological examinations, the patients’ clinical pictures may be surprisingly normal, as in our patient. In such cases, there may not be any clinical symptom. CT scan examination must be preferred to USG for both primary diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. According to the current literature, there is no reported case with retroperitoneal rupture of the diaphragm.

[Delayed diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia in a patient on mechanical ventilation]

Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm is uncommon. Its early diagnosis is a challenge in diagnostic imaging. We present the case of a male multiple trauma patient in whom a left diaphragmatic hernia was discovered on weaning from mechanical ventilation 23 days after admission. We discuss the key imaging features of diaphragmatic rupture based on its physiopathology and thoracoabdominal pressure gradients. Very few cases of radiologically documented diaphragmatic hernias masked by mechanical ventilation have been reported.

Chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia

Chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon but persistent diagnosis associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Chronic TDH describes a spectrum of disease in antecedent mechanism of injury, timing of presentation, size of diaphragmatic defect, and amount and type of tissue displaced into the chest. Multiplanar CT with coronal, sagittal, and axial reconstruction is most effective in making this diagnosis. Once diagnosed, repair should be undertaken. Although transabdominal approaches may be successful, the authors prefer an open transthoracic approach, recognizing that either approach may need to incorporate access into the other body cavity to complete the repair. Basic hernia principles apply including the construction of a tension-free repair, which may necessitate the use of prosthetics. As surgeons become increasingly comfortable with minimally invasive techniques, more chronic TDH are likely to be approached in this fashion. Finally, as much of the morbidity and mortality is associated with the catastrophic consequences of chronic TDH, vigilance needs to be applied in an attempt to diagnose and then repair TDH while in the latent stage prior to the development of the catastrophic complications that herald the obstructive stage.

Computed tomography in left-sided and right-sided blunt diaphragmatic rupture: experience with 43 patients

AIM

To investigate differences in the radiographic signs for left and right-sided blunt diaphragmatic rupture (BDR) in order to provide guidance to avoid missing these injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of the computed tomography (CT) examinations of 43 patients with BDR treated at our hospital between January 1995 and 2007 was undertaken. The presence of diaphragmatic discontinuity, diaphragmatic thickening, herniation of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity, collar/hump sign, dependent viscera sign, abnormally elevated 4 cm or more above the dome of the other-sided hemi-diaphragm, and of associated injuries was recorded and their relationship to each other and to BDR diagnosis examined. A comparison between the use of axial and sagittal/coronal reconstruction images in diagnosis was also performed in 15 patients.

RESULTS

On axial imaging, left-sided diaphragmatic rupture occurred in 31 patients (72%) and right-sided in 12 (28%). Twenty-nine patients had associated injuries. More than 60% of the patients showed the "dependent viscera" sign, "abdominal organ herniation" sign, diaphragm thickening, or had a more than 4 cm elevation of one side of the diaphragm. "Diaphragmatic discontinuity" and "stomach herniation" were seen almost exclusively in left-sided rupture. Those with BDR and haemothorax had a significantly lower incidence of "diaphragm discontinuity" (p=0.034) than those without haemothorax. Sagittal/coronal reconstruction slightly increased the number of band signs, diaphragmatic discontinuities and diaphragmatic thickenings seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the CT signs examined in this study, when herniation of abdominal organs was used as a diagnostic marker, only a very small fraction of trauma patients identifiable by CT would be missed. Further, CT signs differ for left-sided and right-sided BDR, thus the possibility of BDR should be considered when any of the reported CT signs are present.