Diaphragmatic rupture and injury

Injury to the diaphragm is a marker of severe trauma yet remains one of the most misdiagnosed traumatic lesions. The mechanism may be penetrating (sta b or gunshot wounds) or blunt (high velocity injuries). Rupture of the diap hragm may be overlooked due to common associated injuries. Diagnosis is bas ed on strong clinical suspicion and repeated chest x-rays. Current diagnost ic tools include CT scan and minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparo scopy or thoracoscopy) in stable patients. These relatively new methods cou ld provide more accurate diagnosis. The main feature of diaphragmatic injur y is the incidence of late presentation with the possibility of life-threat ening complications such as strangulations may even occur late.