Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: errors in diagnosis.

Experience with 42 cases of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is reviewed. The correct diagnosis was most readily made when: (1) the injury was recent, (2) the tear was left sided and large with readily identifiable structures herniated, (3) appropriate diagnostic procedures were carried out (chest film, upper gastrointestinal examination, barium enema study, nuclear liver scan, computed tomography), and (4) a high index of suspicion was maintained. The diagnosis was likely to be missed when: (1) the history of trauma, usually remote, was not obtained or was disregarded, (2) the hernia was right sided with herniation of the liver or other solid (water density) organs, or (3) diagnostic tests were not properly correlated (i.e., abnormal barium enema and chest film) or were not obtained. The rather characteristic appearance of herniated liver on the nuclear liver/spleen scan is noted and its use rather than pneumoperitoneum is recommended.