J Radiol Case Rep

. 2021 Aug 1;15(8):1-7. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v15i8.4144. eCollection 2021 Aug. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35586797/

Non-traumatic Tension Gastrothorax: A Potential Mimicker of Tension Pneumothorax

Jonathan D Pierce ¹, Neal R Shah ¹, Ata A Rahnemai-Azar ¹, Amit Gupta ¹Affiliations expand

• PMID: 35586797
• PMCID: PMC9063815
• DOI: 10.3941/jrcr.v15i8.4144

Free PMC article

Abstract

Tension gastrothorax is a rare, life-threatening clinical condition caused by intrathoracic herniation of the stomach through a diaphragmatic defect which becomes increasingly distended over time. If not recognized promptly, this can rapidly progress to respiratory distress, mediastinal shift, and hemodynamic compromise. Initial clinical presentation and imaging findings closely mirror those of tension pneumothorax, confounding diagnosis and potentially leading to unnecessary interventions with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a case of an elderly female who presented with a non-traumatic tension gastrothorax and a review of key imaging features and strategies to aid in recognition and accurate diagnosis of this emergent clinical entity.

Keywords: CT; Diaphragmatic hernia; Emergency Radiology; Gastrothorax; Lung ultrasound; Tension Pneumothorax; Thoracic imaging; X-ray.

Copyright Journal of Radiology Case Reports.