Int J Emerg Med

. 2025 Mar 3;18(1):40.

 doi: 10.1186/s12245-025-00843-1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40033229/

Tension pneumothorax from large bowel herniation and perforation as a late presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia during pregnancy: a case report

Ákos Sóti ¹, Gábor Nagy ², Zoltán Győri ³, Tamás Vass ⁴, László Hetzman ², Bánk Gábor Fenyves ², Csaba Varga ²

Affiliations Expand

• PMID: 40033229
• PMCID: PMC11874637
• DOI: 10.1186/s12245-025-00843-1

Abstract

Background: Diaphragmatic hernias can be congenital or acquired, with trauma being the primary cause of the latter. Both types may have delayed presentations, with abdominal organs protruding into the thoracic cavity, causing symptoms of varying severity. Pregnancy can sometimes precipitate the condition. Tension pneumothorax resulting from bowel perforation into the thorax is exceptionally rare, with only a few cases reported. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the third documented case of a late-presenting trauma-related diaphragmatic hernia during pregnancy, complicated by tension pneumothorax.

Case presentation: A 30-year-old woman, 29 weeks pregnant, was referred to Semmelweis University emergency department with moderate dyspnea. Initial investigation revealed tension pneumothorax. Chest tube placement released air, pus, and feces. Computer tomography identified a diaphragmatic hernia with bowel incarceration and perforation as the underlying cause. The patient underwent a delayed cesarean section and surgical repair, with a good outcome. A history of thoracic trauma eight years prior was later revealed.

Conclusion: Evaluating pregnant patients with shortness of breath in the emergency department is challenging. Identifying a history of thoracic or abdominal trauma is crucial, as this can raise the suspicion of diaphragmatic hernia, which can present with a wide range of symptoms. Spontaneous tension pneumothorax in pregnant women is extremely rare and requires cautious management. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for the successful treatment of maternal diaphragmatic hernia.

Keywords: Diaphragmatic hernia; Dyspnea; Empyema; Large bowel perforation; Pregnancy; Tension pneumothorax.

© 2025. The Author(s).