Heart Compression Caused By Gastric Herniation Following Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture: A Case Report

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) and heart compression is a combination of injuries occurring due to a motor vehicle accident. In this report, we present a case of heart compression caused by gastric herniation following TDR. Diaphragmatic rupture was diagnosed from radiograph and CT photographs and cardiac compress was suspected based on elevation of cardiac enzymes. The patient received cholecystectomy plus enterolysis and recovered after 30 days. This case reminds us that if a patient suspected of suffering from TDR/TDH caused by blunt trauma and with low voltage and multiple T-wave inversions in ECG as well as abnormal cardiac enzyme test results, heart compression from TDH should be considered. Immediate surgery for TDH reduction and TDR repair should be used as the first choice of treatment.