Gonzalez del Rey J, Cunha C
Emergency Department, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229.
Ann Emerg Med. 1990 Aug;19(8):935-7. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)81574-4.
We present the case of a 6-year-old boy with reactive airway disease who developed cervical lung herniation resulting in compression of the trachea and audible stridor. This association has never been reported in the pediatric age group, and a review of the literature revealed that lung herniation is a rare condition in the pediatric population. Most patients are asymptomatic. Herniation occurs in the cervical area in approximately one fourth of patients. The diagnosis is usually made by physical examination and confirmed by radiographic studies. Treatment is seldom necessary; most patients require only education and reassurance. Surgical intervention is indicated when respiratory distress, cosmetic concerns, or progressive increase in size occur.
