CONGENITAL AND ACQUIRED LUNG HERNIAS

Lung hernia is defined as a protrusion of lung parenchyma beyond the c onfines of the musculoskeletal thorax. Lung hernias can be classified according to location (i.e., cervical, thoracic, or diaphragmatic) and etiology. Approximately 80% of reported cases of lung hernia are acqu ired, usually related to trauma or surgery. Symptoms are few, infreque nt, and vague. A painless, local, and inconstant bulging is evident on physical examination. The diagnosis of a lung herniation is accomplis hed using chest radiographs in the most cases. Surgery is usually rese rved for large hernias or incarcerated hernias.