Traumatic hemidiaphragmatic rupture (TDR) after blunt thoracoabdominal trauma is uncommon but potentially lethal if diagnosed late. The aim of this report is to highlight the delayed presentation of TDR and the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in a resource‐limited setting. We present a case report of a 21‐year‐old man with obesity (BMI 30) suffered blunt trauma from a 2‐m fall. On initial evaluation, the chest X‐ray showed no hemidiaphragmatic elevation or pneumothorax, and he was discharged with recommendations. Fifteen days later, he was readmitted due to progressive dyspnea and desaturation. A Chest X‐ray and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed a left hemidiaphragmatic defect (46 × 70 mm) with herniation of the stomach, omentum, tail of the pancreas, and spleen. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, revealing a 10 cm × 7 cm defect with viable contents. Repair was achieved by primary closure with interrupted 0 polypropylene sutures, Stamm gastrostomy, and left thoracostomy. Postoperative evolution was satisfactory, and he was discharged after 12 days. This case is relevant because of its delayed presentation and the unusual inclusion of the pancreatic tail and spleen in the hernia sac, underscoring the need for a high index of suspicion and early imaging in closed thoracic trauma. TDR may present in a delayed fashion; early diagnosis by CT and timely surgical repair are essential to prevent severe complications, especially in resource‐limited contexts.
Pabón-Castro et al. (Thu,) studied this question.