Abstract

MORAR, M; RANGAKA, TB; OGUNROMBI, AB  and  ABD ELRAHMAN, A. Hydrothorax and air fluid levels in the right chest - a diagnostic dilemma. S. Afr. j. surg. [online]. 2023, vol.61, n.3, pp.39-41. ISSN 2078-5151.  http://dx.doi.org/10.36303/sajs.4041.

A diaphragmatic defect that permits abdominal contents to herniate into the right side of the chest is rare. In adults with right-sided diaphragmatic hernias, few occur without a history of trauma, and even fewer are symptomatic. This case report illustrates such a case and the rare entity of an anterolaterally located hernia. Although uncommon and easily missed, consequences of diaphragmatic hernias can be disastrous. The importance of a combination of high clinical suspicion and the use of computed tomography (CT) to aid diagnosis, and the dangers of a surgical condition being incorrectly assessed and admitted to a non-surgical specialty are highlighted in this case.

Keywords : right diaphragmatic hernia; adult diaphragmatic hernia; non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia; congenital diaphragmatic hernia; spontaneous diaphragmatic hernia; strangulated diaphragmatic hernia; obstructed diaphragmatic hernia.

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