Spontaneous posterior lung herniation: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Intercostal lung hernias are uncommon and usually a consequence of trauma or surgery. True spontaneous lung hernias are extremely rare, with only 51 cases identified over the past four-and-half decades. We report a case of nontraumatic chest wall ecchymosis secondary to spontaneous posterior-lateral lung herniation followed by a review of the literature. Interesting radiographic images are presented. The pathophysiology and therapeutic options of this condition are discussed. The case highlights that advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be an etiological factor for the development of this rare entity, with cough being the precipitating event. Given the increasing prevalence of COPD, the authors believe further awareness of this pathology is needed.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and smoking; cough; spontaneous lung herniation.

Figure 1

Noncontrast computed tomography of the chest demonstrating lung herniation through the intercostal space, with noted chest wall swelling due to bleeding within the muscle