1. Bilateral Bochdalek Hernias Presenting as Respiratory Failure in an Elderly Patient
- Author
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Miguel Tsukayama, Carlos L. Alviar, Aleksandr Korniyenko, Gopal Narayanswami, Fahad Javed, and Juan P. Cordova
- Subjects
Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Diaphragmatic breathing ,Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine ,Diagnosis, Differential ,Intensive care ,medicine ,Humans ,Diaphragmatic hernia ,Hernia ,Aged, 80 and over ,Hernia, Diaphragmatic ,Thoracic cavity ,business.industry ,Respiratory disease ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Surgery ,Bochdalek hernia ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Respiratory failure ,Anesthesia ,Female ,Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital ,Respiratory Insufficiency ,Tomography, X-Ray Computed ,business - Abstract
Bochdalek hernia occurs from a congenital defect of the diaphragm, allowing the passage of abdominal structures into the thoracic cavity, limiting lung expansion and ventilatory function. Bochdalek hernia is common in neonates but rarely occur in adults; there are only 4 documented cases in the elderly population. We present a case of an 88-year-old woman with severe hypoxia and respiratory failure that required ventilatory support, in whom bilateral Bochdalek hernias progressed over the years and severely invaded the thoracic cavity, causing acute decompensation. This is a rare condition in adults but can cause substantial morbidity when the involvement of the thoracic cavity is severe.
- Published
- 2011
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