A delayed traumatic right diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax

A traumatic right diaphragmatic rupture is an uncommon condition, as it occurs in 0.8-3.6% after blunt trauma. It is challenging to find the diagnosis immediately and is illustrated by the incidence of 12-66% initially missed diagnosis (1). Most blunt traumatic diaphragm ruptures are an indication for early aggressive surgical intervention by way of thoracotomy, laparotomy, or both if it is necessary. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of diaphragm rupture is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury requires a high index of suspicion. We report a case of a 37-year-old man with right diaphragmatic rupture after blunt injury 31 years prior to admission.