Medical Image of the Week: Post-Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture

Figure 1. A: Admission portable chest radiograph, demonstrates elevation of the right hemidiaphragm of uncertain chronicity (large arrow, also shown in B and C). B: Study after 20 min, shows a moderate hemothorax (*). Mildly displaced fractures are evident, involving at least the3^rd and 5^th right ribs (small arrows). C: Follow up exam. A right chest tube (thin arrow in c) has been inserted, and the hemothorax is drained. Immediately after, a CT chest abdomen and pelvis is performed.

Figure 2. A-C: A large anterolateral diaphragmatic defect is diagnosed, as shown in the coronal images, from anterior to posterior (A-C), with displacement of the liver (L) and loops of bowel (B) into the chest. Note the discontinuity of the diaphragm (arrows in A, B and D). A small liver laceration is noted in the gallbladder bed (arrows in C). D:  Image, near the midline, showing atelectasis (A) in the posterior right lung base. Additional injuries (not shown), included, right ribs 2-11 fractures, gallbladder fossa liver, right adrenal hemorrhage, mesenteric root contusion and multiple pelvic fractures.

A 67-year-old woman was admitted after being struck by a vehicle, at high speed. She has a diaphragmatic rupture (Figures 1 and 2).

Diaphragmatic injuries occur in approximately 0.8%–8% of blunt trauma patients, largely from motor vehicle accidents (1). The mechanism of injury includes distortion of the chest wall with resulting shearing forces, or direct frontal impact with acute increased intraabdominal pressure (2).

Rupture of the left diaphragm is more common, presumably due to a protective mechanism by the liver, but also in part due to underdiagnoses (3). Most ruptures are large, posterolateral, between the lumbar and intercostal attachments (4).  Associated liver injuries are seen mostly with right diaphragmatic injuries (93 % vs. 24% with left injuries). Multiorgan abdominal injury and pelvic fractures are common (2).

In cases of associated hemothorax, pulmonary laceration/contusion, atelectasis, and phrenic nerve palsy, a diaphragmatic injury, may be masked on chest radiographs. Also, the positive pressure of ventilatory support may delay herniation of abdominal contents through the ruptured diaphragm (5).

Up to 12% to 66% cases of diaphragmatic rupture cases, are missed on chest radiograph. Suggestive findings include elevation of the hemidiaphragm, distortion or obliteration of the outline of the hemidiaphragm, and contralateral shift of the mediastinum (6,7).

On CT visualization of a diaphragmatic defect has most sensitivity and specificity for diaphragmatic injury (73% and 90%) respectively) (8). Intrathoracic herniation of abdominal contents has a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 100% (8). The “collar sign”, a waist-like constriction of the herniating hollow viscus at the site of the diaphragmatic tear, is usually seen sagittal and coronal multiplanar reformatted images (2,8). The “dependent viscera sign” (1), consists of bowel or solid organs fallen to a dependent position against the posterior ribs, due to lack of supported by the intact diaphragm. This may be an early sign of diaphragmatic tear on axial images, before visceral herniation is clearly seen on multiplanar reformatted images.

Diana Palacio MD, Veronica Arteaga MD, Berndt Schmidt MD

Department of Medical Imaging

The University of Arizona-Banner Medical Center

Tucson, AZ USA

References

1. Bergin D, Ennis R, Keogh C, et al. The "dependent viscera" sign in CT diagnosis of blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2001;177:1137-40. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Shanmuganathan K, Killeen K, Mirvis SE, et al. Imaging of diaphragmatic injuries. J Thorac Imaging. 2000;15:104-11. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
3. Killeen KL, Mirvis SE, Shanmuganathan K. Helical CT of diaphragmatic rupture caused by blunt trauma. AJR Am J Roentgenol.1999;173:1611-6. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
4. Boulanger BR, Milzman DP, Rosati C, et al. A comparison of right and left blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. J Trauma. 1993;35:255-60. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
5. Kuhlman JE, Pozniak MA, Collins J, Knisely BL. Radiographic and CT findings of blunt chest trauma: aortic injuries and looking beyond them. RadioGraphics. 1998;18:1085-1106. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
6. Iochum S, Ludig T, Walter F, et al. Imaging of Diaphragmatic Injury: A Diagnostic Challenge RadioGraphics 2002; 22:suppl. 1,S103-16. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
7. Gelman R, Mirvis SE, Gens D. Diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt trauma: sensitivity of plain chest radiographs. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1991;156:51-7. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
8. Murray JG, Caoili E, Gruden JF, et al. Acute rupture of the diaphragm due to blunt trauma: diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of CT. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1996;166:10. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Palacio D, Arteaga V, Schmidt B. Medical image of the week: post-trumatic diaphragmatic rupture. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2018;16(3):143-5. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc030-18 PDF 

Medical Image of the Week: Chilaiditi Syndrome

Figure 1. An X-ray of the chest showing a lucency under the right hemi-diaphragm interposed between the liver and diaphragm (arrow).

Figure 2. CT scan of the chest showing gas filled distended hepatic flexure interposed between the elevated right hemi-diaphragm and the liver (arrow).

X-ray evidence of air under right hemi-diaphragm in proper clinical context is almost a definitive sign of gastrointestinal tract perforation except in an extremely rare clinical entity called "Chilaiditi Syndrome". We present this unique image and clinical scenario to expand on physician`s knowledge to identify this rare clinical syndrome and to help distinguish it from a dreaded condition like gastrointestinal perforation.

An 81-year-old man with multiple co-morbidities was admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of acute hypoxic respiratory failure. An X-ray of the chest showed a lucency under the right hemi-diaphragm interposed between the liver and diaphragm (Figure 1). Due to radiological concern of gastrointestinal perforation, an emergent CT scan was performed to rule out perforation. CT scan revealed gas filled distended hepatic flexure interposed between the elevated right hemi-diaphragm and the liver (Figure 2). The patient had no gastro-intestinal tract symptoms and no pathological signs were specifically identified on clinical examination; a diagnosis of the Chilaiditi Syndrome was made. Chilaiditi Syndrome occurs due to interposition of a loop of large intestine in between the liver and the diaphragm. The incidence of Chilaiditi Syndrome is 0.025 to 0.28% and occurs because of congenital anatomical variations of falciform ligament (1). It can also be due to functional abnormalities such as constipation, aerophagia, cirrhosis, paralysis of the diaphragm, chronic lung disease which can cause enlargement of the lower thoracic cavity, obesity, and processes which increase intra-abdominal pressure (1,2). Initial management includes conservative therapy - Bed rest, intravenous fluid hydration, and bowel decompression. Surgical options can be considered (3).

Priyanka Makkar, M.D.¹, Rishabh Mishra, M.D.¹, and Shivanck Upadhyay, M.D.²

¹Internal Medicine department, St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, New York

²Department of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, New York

References

1. Alva S, Shetty-Alva N, Longo WE. Image of the month. Chilaiditi sign or syndrome. Arch Surg. 2008 Jan;143(1):93-4. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Fisher AA, Davis MW. An elderly man with chest pain, shortness of breath, and constipation. Postgrad Med J. 2003 Mar;79(929):180, 183-4. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
3. Blevins WA, Cafasso DE, Fernandez M, Edwards MJ.Minimally invasive colopexy for pediatric Chilaiditi syndrome. J Pediatr Surg. 2011 Mar;46(3):e33-5. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Makkar P, Mishra R, Upadhyay S. Medical image of the week: Chilaiditi syndrome. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2016;13(4):179-80. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc077-16 PDF

Medical Image of the Week: Bochdalek Hernia

Figure 1. PA (A) and lateral (B) chest radiograph demonstrating a lobulated homogenous opacity in the  posterior left lung base-blue arrows.

Figure 2. Chest CT (axial image) demonstrating fat-containing opacity consistent with a Bochdalek hernia- red arrow.

A 61 year-old man presented for an evaluation of a nonproductive cough. He has a history of well-controlled asthma, allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis, hypertension, gastro-esophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea. The ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension was discontinued. The physical exam was unremarkable. Pulmonary function testing was normal.

A PA and lateral chest radiograph was performed and revealed an abnormal contour of the left hemidiaphragm with a large lobulated opacity (Figure 1- blue arrows). Computed chest tomography revealed the lobulated opacity in the left lower lobe contained fat and was consistent with a Bochdalek hernia (Figure 2).

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a major malformation in newborns and in the perinatal period. The diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in adults is rare. There are three types of congenital diaphragmatic hernias: posterolateral (Bochdalek) diaphragmatic hernia, subcostosternal (Morgagni) hernia and esophageal hiatal hernia. The Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia is the result of a congenital diaphragmatic defect in the posterior costal part of the diaphragm in the region of 10th and 11th ribs, which allows free communication between the thoracic and abdominal cavity. The defect is usually found at the left side (90%) but may occur on the right side, where the liver often prevents detection.

A review of 173 adult patients with Bochdalek hernias revealed several important features:  55% of patients were male with an average age of 40 years, the hernia defect was located on the left side in 78% of patients and most patients were symptomatic (1,2). The most common presenting symptoms were pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen and obstruction. Pulmonary symptoms occurred in 37% of patients in this review. Of note, patients with Bochdalek hernias can develop symptoms precipitated by factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure and failure to promptly treat a symptomatic Bochdalek hernia may lead to bowel strangulation. A chest CT is an excellent diagnostic study, as a Bochdalek hernia can be difficult to appreciate on a chest radiograph (3).

Management of a Bochdalek hernia includes reducing the abdominal contents and repairing the defect through a laparotomy or thoracotomy. Successful laparoscopic and thoracoscopic repairs of Bochdalek hernias have both been described.

Muna Omar, M.D. and Linda Snyder, M.D.

Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy Medicine

Banner University Medical Center-Tucson

Tucson, AZ USA

References

1. Brown SR, Horton JD, Trivette E, Hofmann LJ, Johnson JM. Bochdalek hernia in the adult: demographics, presentation, and surgical management. Hernia. 2011 Feb;15(1):23-30. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Bianchi E, Mancini P, De Vito S, Pompili E, Taurone S, Guerrisi I, Guerrisi A, D'Andrea V, Cantisani V, Artico M. Congenital asymptomatic diaphragmatic hernias in adults: a case series. J Med Case Rep. 2013 May 13;7:125. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
3. Sandstrom CK, Stern EJ. Diaphragmatic hernias: a spectrum of radiographic appearances. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2011 May-Jun;40(3):95-115. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Omar M, Snyder L. Medical image of the week: Bochdalek hernia. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2016 Jun;12(6):203-4. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc031-16 PDF

Medical Image of the Week: Unilateral Diaphragm Paralysis

Figure 1. CT scans showing unilateral diaphragm paralysis and atelectasis of right lower lobe (arrow).

An 85 year old woman with a history of COPD presented to the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath and cyanosis of her fingers. Her symptoms have been waxing and waning since she recovered from pneumonia a year ago. A week prior to admission, she visited an outpatient clinic for worsening cough, which was treated with levofloxacin, however her shortness of breath and cyanosis persisted. O₂ saturation with 4 L oxygen was 85% and CT chest without contrast showed unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis with basilar atelectasis (Figure 1). She has no history of cardiac surgery, poliomyelitis or cervical spondylosis. Also, no cervical or lung mass was found on CT scan. Her diaphragmatic paralysis is most likely secondary to phrenic nerve injury.

Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is usually asymptomatic and does not require treatment in most of cases. However, patients with underlying lung disease can present with shortness of breath and cyanosis because of increased ventilatory demands on physical activity or superimposed pulmonary disease. Occasionally, patients with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis can develop acute respiratory failure due to exacerbation of obstructive lung disease or respiratory infection, and require ventilatory support (1). Early and careful management of underlying lung disease is pivotal in these patients to prevent respiratory decompensation.

Seongseok Yun, MD PhD; Kahroba Jahan, MD; Natali Hua, DPM; Ibrahim Taweel, MD; Ismail Tabash, MD

Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA

Reference

Qureshi A. Diaphragm paralysis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2009;30(3):315-20.  [CrossRef] [PubMed] 

Reference as: Yun S, Jahan K, Hua N, Taweel I, Tabash I. Medical image of the week: unilateral diaphragm paralysis. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2014;8(1):68-9. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc178-13 PDF