ACUTE RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS SECONDARY TO MORGAGNI DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIATION IN AN ADULT

Diaphragmatic hernias of the Morgagni type are generally thought to be asymptomatic in adults. This traditional assumption led to a delay in diagnosing a Morgagni hernia as the cause of acute respiratory distre ss in a chronic schizophrenic man. While Morgagni hernias are usually considered to be long-standing, we present radiological evidence of an acutely expanding hernia. The patient's symptoms were relieved by sur gical repair of the hernia. We advise caution before dismissing Morgag ni hernias in adults as being long-standing and clinically insignifica nt.