Traumatic Rupture of the Right Hemidiaphragm:Diagnosis aided by Computerized Tomography and Image Reformation : A Case Report

Abstract

Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm (TRD) poses a challenge to both radiologists and surgeons. They are uncommon and occur following blunt abdominal or lower thoracic trauma. The right side involvement is less common than the left side and is easily missed. Spiral computed tomography (Spiral CT) with image reformation is very useful in the diagnosis of TRD and in identifying associated injuries. Early diagnosis and repair reduces mortality and morbidity. We present the case of a 16 year old boy who was involved in a high speed traffic accident with blunt injury to his thorax and abdomen. He was referred from a peripheral hospital in Oman for further management at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. A spiral CT scan of thorax and abdomen with image reformation helped in the early diagnosis and management of the traumatic rupture of his right hemidiaphragm.