A case of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is reported in which herniated stomach mimicked
a tension pneumothorax. Tube thoracostomy by trocar caused insertion of the pleural
drain into the intrathoracic stomach. CT scan of the thorax after oral administration
of contrast material revealed the correct diagnosis. After removal of the drain and
retraction of the stomach into the abdomen the gastric perforation and diaphragmatic
defect could be closed by suture. The further course of the patient was uneventful.
This case report underlines the importance of differential diagnosis of symptoms in
a case with a history of blunt chest trauma and shows the risks of unnecessary use
of a trocar.
Diaphragmatic rupture - Tube thoracostomy - Blunt trauma - Complication
