[Traumatic diaphragm injuries: a review of 8 cases]

Abstract

Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm is a rare event that is usually found in polytrauma cases or after violent attacks. Patients are usually males between 20 and 50 years old, and car accidents are the main causes. Diagnosis can be difficult and injuries may go unnoticed, leading to serious delayed complications. We present 8 cases from 1991 through 2000. All patients came to the emergency department of our hospital with a diagnosis of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. We analyze the reasons for admission, signs and symptoms, diagnostic approach, associated lesions, treatment and course, comparing our experience with reports in the literature.