Morgagni hernia presented as sudden dyspnea in 70 years old man: a case report

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernia is a structural defect caused by inadequate fusion of the pleuroperitoneal membrane of the diaphragm, allowing peritoneal viscera to protrude into the pleural cavity. The occurrence of Morgagni hernia in the adult is infrequent and almost asymptomatic. Symptomatic cases are even rarer, with a wide range of respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations that make it difficult to diagnose. We present the case of a 70-year-old man with unexpected onset abdominal pain and respiratory distress. The chest computed tomography scan showed the right-side diaphragmatic Morgagni hernia. The defect was corrected through open surgical repair without complications. Within five months of the procedure, a follow-up radiograph revealed full recovery. This case should alert physicians to consider this diagnosis when faced with an unexpected manifestation of Morgagni hernia.