Hepatothorax due to a right diaphragmatic rupture related to duodenal ulcer perforation

作者：Baek Se Jin; Kim Jin^*; Lee Sung Ho

来源：World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2012, 18(39): 5649-5652.

DOI：10.3748/wjg.v18.i39.5649

• Diaphragmatic rupture
• Hepatothorax
• Duodenal ulcer perforation
• Polytetrafluoroethylene mesh

Here, we present the case of a 53-year-old man with a hepatothorax due to a right diaphragmatic rupture related to duodenal ulcer perforation. On admission, the patient complained of severe acute abdominal pain, with physical examination findings suspicious for a perforated peptic ulcer. Of note, the patient had no history of other medical conditions or recent trauma, and the initial chest radiography and laboratory findings were not specific. A subsequent abdominal computed tomography revealed intrathoracic displacement of the liver, gallbladder, transverse colon and omentum through a right diaphragmatic defect. The patient then underwent an explorative laparotomy that confirmed duodenal ulcer perforation. A primary repair of the duodenal perforation was performed, and the diaphragmatic defect was repaired using a polytetrafluoroethylene patch after the organs were reduced and the cavity irrigated. This particular case proves interesting as right-sided spontaneous diaphragmatic ruptures are very rare and difficult to diagnose. Additionally, the best treatment for such large diaphragmatic defects is still controversial, especially in cases of intrathoracic or intra-abdominal contamination.

• 出版日期2012-10-21