Pseudocyst of the pancreas masquerading as spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

Pseudocyst of the pancreas extending into the thorax represents a rare but potentially catastrophic diagnosis. It can be difficult to both diagnose and manage, with only limited management suggestions within the literature. While pleural effusion is a common complication of pancreatitis, transthoracic extension of a pseudocyst is a rare phenomenon. Herein we discuss a patient with a difficult to recognize extension of pancreatic pseudocyst into the left hemithorax, with unique imaging findings. He had good response to trans-gastric and percutaneous drainage and ultimately proceeded to thoracotomy and decortication. Around this case, the options for investigation and management are discussed.

Approach to a large rare diaphragmatic hernia in a patient undergoing cardiac surgery.

Hernia of Morgagni is an unusual congenital defect of the sternal portion of the diaphragm. Its concurrence with cardiac surgical pathology is rarely described in the literature. Notwithstanding, huge hernia of Morgagni have been noted to cause serious peri-operative impediment and complications. We report the case of a 50-year-old gentleman with a massive Morgagni hernia that threatened strangulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. We describe the combined surgical approach undertaken to repair this hernia, with an accompanying review of the literature relating to misadventure and management of similar large hernia coinciding with cardiac surgery.