Background: The diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle; the diaphragm can rupture in the field of blunt trauma, penetrating trauma or occur following medical procedures. Approximately 0.8 to 1.6% of patients with blunt trauma are suspected to have a rupture of the diaphragm. As diaphragmatic rupture is a rare clinical condition, so it may be undiagnosed and associated with complications and high mortality and morbidity.
Case report: In this study we report a 53-year-old man, with history of blunt trauma five years ago, but during this period, remained undiagnosed. For shortness of breath, he visits physicians frequently and just receives medical treatment during these years. Finally, requested abdominal X-ray showed diaphragmatic rupture and herniation of the left side of the colon into the thoracic area.
Conclusion: Having a strong clinical suspicion, taking a thorough history of the patient, performing an accurate physical examination and doing an essential diagnostic procedures should all be considered to help confirm the diagnosis.
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