J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Oct;33(4):545-549.

Traumatic Rupture of the Diaphragm: CT Findings

• Kim JH
• Kim SJ
• Cha SH
• Cho ST
• Park KS
• Kim DY
• Yim SH

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of the known CT signs of the traumatic rupture of the diaphragm.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
CT scans and chest radiographs were retrospectively reviewed in 13 patients who had diaphragmatic rupture confirmed by surgery. On chest radiographs, the elevation of the diaphragm was evaluated. On CT, 1) discontinuity of the diaphragm, 2) lack of depiction of the diaphragm surrounding the herniated intraabdominal organs (absent diaphragm sign), and 3) fat seen lateral to the diaphragm (fat sign) were evaluated.
RESULTS
Chest radiographs showed the elevation of the diaphragm in 11 patients (85%). CT scan showed absent diaphragm sign in 11 patients (85%), discontinuity of the diaphragm in 8 (62%), and fat sign in 7 (54%). All of 12 patients who had the left diaphragmatic rupture had one or more of the above findings.
CONCLUSION
Discontinuity of the diaphragm, absent diaphragm sign, and fat sign may be helpful CT findings in the diagnosis of the traumatic rupture of the left diaphragm.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Diaphragm*
Humans
Radiography, Thoracic
Retrospective Studies
Rupture*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed