Intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia. A case report
Laric, M.J.; Roger, M.; Broude, H.B.
South African Journal of Surgery. Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Chirurgie 27(3): 100-102
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-2361 PMID: 2762932 Document Number: 344082
A case of intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia caused by blunt trauma is reported. The patient presented with gastric outlet obstruction symptoms. The diagnosis was made pre-operatively by means of plain chest radiography and barium swallow examination. Laparotomy was the surgical approach used. The diaphragmatic defect was too large to close primarily and a Marlex mesh-graft was used. Hydropneumopericardium, pericarditis and cardiac arrhythmias occurred postoperatively and the patient died despite efforts to treat these complications. Because of the rarity of this condition and possible fatal consequences, the important aspects of intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia are reviewed.