Imaging of the Diaphragm: A Primer.

The diaphragm is a critical musculotendinous structure that contributes to respiratory function. Disorders of the diaphragm are rare and diagnostically challenging. Herein, the author reviews the radiologic options for the assessment of the diaphragm.

[Diaphragmatic hernia in a female alpaca (Vicugna pacos)]. / Zwerchfellhernie bei einer Alpakastute (Vicugna pacos).

A 3-year-old pregnant female alpaca was noticed due to increased lying and decreased feed intake after shearing. Twelve days after shearing, she aborted an almost completely developed cria. After another two days, the alpaca was recumbent and subsequently died during transport to the clinic. A dissection of the carcass revealed a diaphragmatic hernia. Diaphragmatic hernias have been described in many different species, diagnosis can be made by radiography or ultrasound. Depending on the extent, surgical therapy may be successful.

Validación de la ecografía Point-of-Care para el diagnóstico de hernia diafragmática: a propósito de un caso / Validation of Point-of-Care ultrasound in the diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia

La ecografía Point-of-Care (POCUS) es una herramienta sensible y específica para diagnosticar de manera precoz la patología del diafragma en pacientes críticos. Presentamos un caso clínico de un paciente con antecedentes de hernia diafragmática iatrogénica que ingresó en la unidad de reanimación tras una laparotomía exploradora de emergencia. Aprovechando el diagnóstico conocido de hernia diafragmática, describimos los signos clínicos que debemos encontrar en la evaluación POCUS para establecer el diagnóstico de hernia diafragmática: 1)fracción de acortamiento diafragmático normal bilateral; 2)excursión diafragmática reducida, y 3)posición cefálica de la cúpula diafragmática 4)mayor en supino que en sedestación. Igualmente, proponemos una sistemática de exploración ecográfica del diafragma y una clasificación diferencial de la disfunción diafragmática evaluada mediante POCUS en función de la correcta integridad y el buen funcionamiento del músculo periférico y del tendón central diafragmáticos en el paciente crítico.(AU)

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a sensitive, specific tool for early diagnosis of diaphragm pathology in critically ill patients. We report the case of a patient with a history of iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia who was admitted to the Resuscitation Unit after an emergency exploratory laparotomy. As the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia had already been confirmed, we determined the POCUS features that establish the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia: (1)normal bilateral diaphragmatic shortening fraction; (2)decreased diaphragmatic excursion, and (3)cephalic position of the diaphragmatic dome (4)greater in supine than in sitting position. We also outline a systematic ultrasound examination of the diaphragm and a POCUS-based differential classification of diaphragmatic dysfunction based on the functional integrity of the peripheral muscle and central diaphragmatic tendon in critically ill patients.(AU)

Double closed loop small bowel obstruction due to right diaphragmatic hernia after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

64-Year-old male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis C infection, and glottic cancer presented with acute progressive abdominal pain and palpable mass in right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Despite treatment with hyoscine and tramadol, the symptoms persisted. He had received three sessions of Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and two sessions of microwave ablation (MWA) for HCC treatment, with the last session being TACE 11 months prior. Plain film abdomen showed bowel gas pattern in the right hemithorax compatible with bowel obstruction. CT imaging revealed a right diaphragmatic hernia containing closed loop small bowel obstruction. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. The patient improved and was discharged. There was no recurrence of diaphragmatic hernia or abdominal mass or pain at the 6-month follow-up visit. We herein demonstrate a catastrophic complication of TACE by using an IPA and MWA which leads to right diaphragmatic hernia.

[Hepatic Hernia through a Diaphragmatic Defect Mimicking Pleural Tumor:Report of a Case].

Hepatic heria in adult without history of trauma or surgery is rare, and is sometimes operated under the diagnosis of lung or diaphragmatic tumor. Here, we report a case of hepatic hernia which had been preoperatively suspected of pleural tumor and surgically treated. At surgery, multiple lesions mimicking ectopic endometriosis were found on the diaphragma and hepatic profrusion was found from one of lesions.

Hernia diafragmática tras radiofrecuencia de metástasis hepática. Reporte de caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Diaphragmatic hernia after radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases: a case report and review of the literature

La hernia diafragmática (HD) es la protrusión de los tejidos abdominales a la cavidad torácica secundaria a un defecto en el diafragma. Tras una revisión de la bibliografía, únicamente se han identificado 44 referencias al respecto, donde se describen 35 casos de HD secundarias a tratamientos percutáneos con radiofrecuencia (RF). En su gran mayoría son secundarias a lesiones por carcinoma hepatocelular en los segmentos V y VIII. No obstante, hasta la fecha, este es el primer caso comunicado de HD tras RF para el tratamiento de una metástasis hepática por carcinoma colorrectal. Las complicaciones secundarias a las HD son muy diversas. El principal factor de riesgo para ello es su contenido; así se describen casos incarceración de colon e intestino delgado. Igualmente, se describen casos asintomáticos en los que la HD ha sido un hallazgo en el seguimiento de los pacientes. El mecanismo fisiopatológico no está del todo esclarecido, pero se especula con la posibilidad de un daño térmico locorregional. Dado que la mayoría de las comunicaciones corresponden a casos sintomáticos y/o tratados, probablemente la incidencia esté infraestimada. No obstante, debido al advenimiento de los tratamientos percutáneos, esta complicación podría verse comunicada en mayor número en los próximos años. Respecto a los tratamientos descritos, en la mayoría de los casos se ha optado por una herniorrafia primaria, con una vía de abordaje abierta o laparoscópica a discreción del cirujano. No se dispone de evidencia que apoye ninguna actitud al respecto, si bien parece claro que el tratamiento quirúrgico es el único definitivo y el de elección en caso de complicación. Sin embargo, en pacientes asintomáticos en quienes la HD sea un hallazgo radiológico de control, el manejo quizá deba guiarse por el estado general del paciente, así como los riesgos potenciales de complicación (contenido, diámetro del orificio herniario…). (AU)

A diaphragmatic hernia is the protrusion of abdominal tissues into the thoracic cavity secondary to a defect in the diaphragm. Reviewing the literature, we found only 44 references to diaphragmatic hernia secondary to percutaneous radiofrequency treatment. The vast majority of these cases were secondary to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in segments V and VIII. Nevertheless, to date, this is the first reported case of diaphragmatic hernia after radiofrequency ablation of a liver metastasis from colorectal cancer. Complications secondary to diaphragmatic hernias are very diverse. The principal risk factor for complications is the contents of the hernia; when small bowel or colon segments protrude in the thoracic cavity, they can become incarcerated. Asymptomatic cases have also been reported in which the diaphragmatic hernia was discovered during follow-up. The pathophysiological mechanism is not totally clear, but it is thought that these diaphragmatic hernias might be caused by locoregional thermal damage. Given that most communications correspond to asymptomatic and/or treated cases, it is likely that the incidence is underestimated. However, due to the advent of percutaneous treatments, this complication might be reported more often in the future. Most cases are treated with primary herniorrhaphy, done with a laparoscopic or open approach at the surgeon's discretion; no evidence supports the use of one approach over the other. Nevertheless, it seems clear that surgery is the only definitive treatment, as well as the treatment of choice if complications develop. However, in asymptomatic patients in whom a diaphragmatic hernia is discovered in follow-up imaging studies, management should probably be guided by the patient's overall condition, taking into account the potential risks of complications (contents, diameter of the opening into the thoracic cavity …). (AU)

Hernia diafragmática congénita de diagnóstico tardío / Late presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia

La hernia diafragmática congénita es un defecto del desarrollo diafragmático que suele diagnosticarse prenatalmente o en el periodo neonatal. Aunque su presentación tardía se asocia a mejor pronóstico, el diagnóstico supone en ocasiones un reto debido a su curso inespecífico. Resulta interesante conocer su existencia ante cuadros clínicos de difícil diagnóstico (AU)

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a diaphragmatic developmental defect that usually presents prenatally or in the neonatal period. Although its late presentation is associated with a better prognosis, the diagnosis is sometimes a challenge due to its non-specific course. It is interesting to know its existence in clinical presentations that are difficult to diagnose. (AU)

Pneumopericardium after peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia repair in a dog.

A one-year-old neutered, Goldendoodle presented for evaluation. One week prior to presentation, the surgical closure of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was performed via ventral midline celiotomy. Since the procedure, the dog had been lethargic and anorexic at home. Thoracic radiographs revealed a pneumopericardium. Pericardiocentesis was performed which evacuated approximately 100 mL of air from the pericardial sac. The dog recovered well and began eating in the hospital and resumed normal activity. This is the first reported case of a pneumopericardium post-peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia repair requiring pericardiocentesis. Clinicians should be aware of this rare complication in patients with post-operative peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia.

Diagnostic imaging features of hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a cat.

A 1-year-old male Persian cat was presented for castration. Liver incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) was diagnosed through pre-anesthetic tests. Multiple homogeneous hyperechoic nodules in the hepatic parenchyma were identified using ultrasound. The nodules showed decreased attenuation compared with normal hepatic parenchyma, and the herniated hepatic parenchyma showed increased arterial and decreased portal enhancement on computed tomography. From the histopathology, we diagnosed hydropic degeneration with portal fibrosis and myelolipoma. This report presents diagnostic imaging features of hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a PPDH in a cat. When perfusion of the hepatic parenchyma is altered, surgical treatment should be considered.

Llanto inexplicable en un lactante sano. Hernia diafragmática congénita de presentación tardía / Unexplained crying in a healthy infant. Late-onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia

La hernia diafragmática congénita es un defecto simple del diafragma que permite el paso de los órganos abdominales al tórax. En la mayoría de los casos, se manifiesta en el periodo neonatal, con un cuadro de dificultad respiratoria grave, pero en algunos casos su presentación puede ser más tardía y con síntomas más diversos. Presentamos el caso de un lactante de seis meses que acude a Urgencias por irritabilidad y llanto persistente de una hora de evolución. La radiografía y ecografía torácica confirmaron el diagnóstico de hernia diafragmática (AU)

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a defect of the diaphragm that allows the passage of abdominal organs to the chest. Respiratory distress in the neonatal period is the most common presenting symptom, but in some cases its presentation may be later and with more diverse symptoms. We report a case of a 6-month-old infant who attended the emergency room due to irritability and persistent crying for one hour. Chest radiography and ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia. (AU)

Intrapericardial Hernia after Transdiaphragmatic Approach of Intrathoracic IVC.

Trauma and abdominal surgery that involves the diaphragm and pericardium rarely ends up in post-operative visceral herniation into the pericardial cavity. Urgent intervention is crucial to restore the cardiac output and prevent bowel strangulation. A case of a patient with intrapericardial hernia following nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and en block resection of an IVC neoplasmatic thrombus via transdiaphragmatic approach is presented.

Case report of a 72-year-old man with diaphragmatic hernia and thoracic gastropericardial fistula after esophagectomy for 18 years.

BACKGROUND: Both diaphragmatic hernia and thoracic gastropericardial fistula rarely occur simultaneously in patients with radical esophagectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old man presented to our hospital with 1 day of nausea, vomiting and acute left chest pain. He had radical esophagectomy (Sweet approach) for esophageal cancer 18 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed diaphragmatic hernias and air collection within the pericardial space. While an operation of diaphragmatic hernia repair was decisively performed to prevent further serious complications, unusually, a thoracic gastropericardial fistula was also found unusually. CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic hernia and thoracic gastropericardial fistula may occasionally coexist in patients with esophagectomy. Upper GI radiograph with a water-soluble contrast agent is a better diagnostic tool than CT in visualizing the fistula.