Traumatic Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia Diagnosed by Echocardiography

Abstract

Emergency Department echocardiography revealed an intrapericardial hollow viscus in an 80-year-old auto crash victim. This proved to be stomach herniated through a ruptured diaphragm. Echocardiography and ultrasonography are very valuable diagnostic procedures currently available to the trauma surgeon to rule out diaphragmatic injury early in the trauma room.