Redescending Stomach: A Rare and Potentially Lethal Complication of Gastric Herniation

Large gastric hernias are common and usually cause minor symptoms. Rarely, complete intrathoracic herniation of the stomach is complicated by strangulation. The underlying mechanism can be gastric volvulus or the less recognized phenomenon of gastric fundus redescent. We describe a case where this rare but potentially lethal complication of gastric herniation is present. Additionally, we show that gastric pneumatosis, a sign associated with ischemia, can be initially visualized on a plain chest radiograph in this setting. Teaching point: Redescent of the fundus is a possible, but unrecognized cause of gastric strangulation in intrathoracic stomachs.

Usefulness of dynamic ultrasound in the diagnosis of epigastric herniation of stomach

Introduction

Abdominal wall hernia contents usually consist of omental or mesenteric fat or loops of small or large bowel. Gastric involvement has been only rarely reported.

Case report

We present a case of a 62-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital due to epigastric pain and vomiting. On physical examination, the only observed abnormality was a soft, painless, epigastric bulge located in the upper midline. Based on the clinical presentation, the patient was diagnosed with a probable epigastric hernia. Dynamic ultrasound evaluation of the palpable bulge confirmed the presence of epigastric hernia demonstrating the movement of abdominal contents through a large wall defect. Surprisingly, the herniated contents were found to contain also the anterior wall of the distal stomach together with omental fat and vessels. The patient opted for surgery, which confirmed the presence of an epigastric hernia containing the distal portion of stomach.

Discussion

In this case, dynamic ultrasound provided added value over computed tomography by clearly demonstrating stomach passing from the abdominal cavity to enter into the hernia sac and it is therefore reported for both its rarity and interest. To our knowledge, this is the first such ultrasound-based case report presented in literature and certainly the best sonographically documented.

Conclusion

We anticiapte that this case report will promote the use of dynamic ultrasound in current practice as an effective imaging tool to recognise unusual types of hernias.

Fundal herniation, strangulation, and fistulization to the left lung after greater curvature gastric plication

Gastric plication is not a complication‐free procedure. Herein, we present the first known case of gastric plication complicated by herniation of the gastric fundus into the chest cavity through the esophageal hiatus complicated by strangulation, necrosis, abscess formation, and communication between the gastric lumen and the left lung.