Diaphragmatic Hernia – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

A Diaphragmatic Hernia (DH) is a protrusion of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity as a result of a defect within the diaphragm. It is most common as a congenital phenomenon; however, there have also been cases where it can be acquired.[rx]Reports place its incidence at approximately 0.8-5/10,000 births.  Most commonly, acquired DH occurs following blunt or penetrating trauma which results in a rupture of the diaphragm which is then accompanied by herniation of abdominal content. Additionally, there are cases reported where acquired DH can also occur spontaneously or by iatrogenic causes.[rx] Acquired DH is rare but can be life-threatening, resulting in incarceration and strangulation with an overall mortality rate up to 31%.[rx]

Causes of Diaphragmatic Hernia

The most common etiology of acquired diaphragmatic hernia (ADH) is secondary to trauma which results in diaphragmatic rupture. It occurs more often from blunt trauma but can also result from penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma.[rx] Diaphragmatic rupture from thoracoabdominal trauma occurs in approximately 0.8 to 3.6% of cases, with the incidence of herniation following such an event being relatively low.[rx][rx] Iatrogenic causes following surgery are the second most common cause of ADH, however, are very rare, with mostly just case studies in the literature. The most common surgeries with which DH has been associated and reported is following pediatric liver transplants and liver resection.[rx][rx] Other noted documented episodes of ADH post-surgery within case studies include Nissen fundoplication, left colectomy, adrenalectomy, laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy, nephrectomy and partial resection of the left lung using thoracoscopic surgery.[rx][rx]Spontaneous defects have also been noted to occur, in these cases, they may be asymptomatic for years before becoming symptomatic in the later stage where the defects can be extensive.[rx] Other rare causes documented within case studies include following radio-frequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma and during pregnancy.[rx][rx][rx]

Pathophysiology

Acquired diaphragmatic hernia (ADH) as a result of trauma to the diaphragm is likely to occur at areas of potential weakness along embryological points of fusion of the diaphragm.[rx] It is thought to be produced by a sudden increase in the pleuroperitoneal pressure gradient as a result of the trauma.[rx] Multiple factors may result from to iatrogenic causes depending on the type of surgery, patient-related factors, and technique used to close the diaphragm.[rx] ADH and diaphragmatic rupture tend to occur more commonly on the left side of the diaphragm. This tendency is likely due to the right hemidiaphragm being protected by the size of the liver beneath it.[rx] Right-sided ruptures and herniations are very rare and associated with higher mortality and morbidity rate.[rx] The abdominal contents that can herniate into the diaphragm vary, but documented cases include herniation of stomach, small intestine, mesentery, splenic and pancreas.[rx]

Diagnosis of Diaphragmatic Hernia

History and Physical

Most ADH cases follow episodes of trauma, either blunt or penetrating to the thorax or abdomen. A clear history of trauma should prompt appropriate imaging to determine the extent of the injury, which may then demonstrate the presence of ADH. For other causes of ADH, it is crucial to consider the patient’s previous surgical history as this may provide a cause of the ADH. Patients can present with ADH in a variety of ways. AHD may produce respiratory, abdominal and in some cases cardiac symptoms.[rx] The effect from the abdominal contents putting pressure on the thorax can result in shortness of breath and chest pain. Abdominal symptoms may also be present, including recurrent abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, vomiting, and obstructive gastrointestinal symptoms.[rx] In some spontaneous cases, the DH may remain asymptomatic, only revealed upon imaging studies. Examination of the patient may reveal the absence of breath sounds over the lower chest area, with bowel sounds being audible.[rx]

Evaluation

Imaging is vital for diagnosis of acquired diaphragmatic hernia. A variety of different imaging modalities are used to diagnose or aid diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia including chest radiographs, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging, with computed tomography (CT) being the modality of choice.[rx]

Treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia

Treatment of acquired diaphragmatic hernia in the acute setting requires appropriate resuscitation of the patient.[rx] Management following this is surgical. Typically, the procedure will use an open abdominal approach, and the repair accomplished by primary closure.[rx] In cases where primary closure with non-absorbable sutures is not possible because of the size of the defect then mesh repair may be an alternative.[rx] If the diagnosis is delayed, then a thoracic approach is generally preferred to reduce viscera-pleural adhesions and intra-thoracic visceral perforation.[rx] It may be appropriate in some delayed cases to use a combined thoracic-abdominal approach. A laparoscopic approach may be feasible and could be an option for repair-dependent upon experience.[rx]

Differential Diagnosis

There is a broad range of differential diagnosis for ADH considering the variation in presentation and the variety of symptoms associated with it. Before imaging, a diaphragmatic hernia is unlikely to be high up the differential list for causation of the patient symptoms, except perhaps in cases associated with trauma. After imaging, an alternative diagnosis that should merit consideration is metastasis, particularly with small defects.[rx] Congenital causes of a diaphragmatic hernia should always be a consideration particularly when trauma has not occurred previous to the presentation.[rx]

Complications

Many potential complications can result from an acquired diaphragmatic hernia. Complications reported include diaphragmatic rupture, acute obstructive symptoms, respiratory failure incarceration, strangulation, and cardiac tamponade.[rx][rx]