The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 39, Issue 1 , Pages 21-24, July 2010

Delayed Presentation of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture

  • Lisa R. Walchalk, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint Address: Lisa R. Walchalk, md, Department of Emergency Medicine, Palmetto Health Richland, 5 Medical Park, Columbia, SC 29203
    • ,
  • Stephen C. Stanfield, MD

Department of Emergency Medicine, Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, South Carolina

Received 3 February 2006; received in revised form 10 September 2007; accepted 12 September 2007. published online 20 May 2008.

Abstract 

We present the case of a 57-year-old woman who suffered a delayed presentation of a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR). Because TDR is frequently missed on initial presentation, a delay between trauma and diagnosis can present a unique diagnostic dilemma for the emergency physician. Important historical clues and physical examination findings are the keys to making this diagnosis.

Keywords: chest pain, trauma, diaphragm, rupture, delayed

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PII: S0736-4679(08)00044-9

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.09.044

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 39, Issue 1 , Pages 21-24, July 2010

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