Presentation
15 meter fall.
Patient Data
AP view of chest radiograph demonstrates a large gastric bubble in the left hemithorax. The nasogastric tube can be seen curling up within the fundus of the stomach.
When compared to the patient's old imaging, this is a new finding post 15 meter fall. This is consistent with a traumatic rupture of the left hemidiaphragm
Case Discussion
This patient was in respiratory distress and was taken to theater urgently for a laparotomy. At laparotomy, a 20 cm laceration in the left hemidiaphragm was identified. The fundus of the stomach and the spleen were reduced back into the abdominal cavity. The diaphragmatic tear was repaired primarily.