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

Se Jin Baek, Jin Kim, Sung Ho Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5649-5652
Number of pages4
JournalWorld journal of gastroenterology
Volume18
Issue number39
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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