Radiol Case Rep

. 2021 Sep 5;16(11):3426-3430. doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.07.097. eCollection 2021 Nov. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34522281/

Non traumatic intrathoracic liver herniation mimicking a pulmonary metastasis in patient with breast cancer: A case report

Alessia Di Mari ¹, Giovanni Failla ², Renato Farina ¹, Andrea Conti ¹, Pietro Foti ¹, Isabella Pennisi ¹, Eliana Tallamona ¹, Corrado Inì ¹, Greta Tuzza ¹, Tiziana Vasile ¹, Antonio Basile ¹Affiliations expand

• PMID: 34522281
• PMCID: PMC8427199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.07.097

Free PMC article

Abstract

Non-traumatic hepatic hernia is defined as hepatic protrusion through acquired or congenital defects on diaphragm without prior trauma. This event is rare among adults and infrequently reported in literature. 52-year-old Caucasian woman with surgically treated breast cancer with suspected lung metastasis detected during a routine Multidetector Computed Tomography lung exam. Ultrasound and subsequently Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed which revealed an overdiaphragmatic mass in contiguity with liver parenchyma compatible with overdiaphragmatic hepatic hernia. Differential diagnosis should be made with diaphragmatic or pulmonary nodule. Correct diagnosis can avoid further diagnostic investigations or invasive procedures such as biopsy. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-risky method and can clarify interpretative doubts. Currently there are still controversies about traumatic or idiopathic nature of this hernia.

Keywords: Diaphragmatic Defect; Diaphragmatic Hernia; Incidentally Found; Liver Herniation; Pulmonary Nodules.

© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.