Rupture of the diaphragm resulting from blunt trauma in children

Abstract

Rupture of the diaphragm due to blunt trauma is rare in the pediatric age group. This article describes six such cases. This life-threatening condition should be suspected in the case of any serious thoracoabdominal trauma, even in the presence of negative radiographic findings on initial evaluation. In the very sick child, horizontal beam, lateral radiographs of the chest and abdomen have been extremely useful in establishing the diagnosis. The suspicion and investigation of associated diaphragmatic injury will result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.