Traumatic Left Tension Pneumothorax with Concomitant Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abstract

Blunt thoracic trauma carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality and may be life-threatening. Clinical identification of a tension pneumothorax necessitates immediate decompression. Diagnosing a diaphragmatic hernia in a trauma context is challenging and rather uncommon. Should both pathologies coexist, there is potential bowel perforation due to thoracocentesis. A traumatic chest injury can complicate patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia who are asymptomatic. Early identification with clinical assessment and bedside ultrasound is essential, and surgical repair is the definitive management. We report a case of traumatic left tension pneumothorax, prompting an immediate left thoracostomy and an incidental finding of an uncomplicated congenital diaphragmatic hernia.