Iatrogenic intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Abstract

Intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernias are very uncommon and are most typically caused by high-force blunt trauma. Other iatrogenic causes such as prior surgical formation of a pericardial window have been described, but are exceedingly rare. We present a case of an intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a patient with a prior pericardial window in which the diagnosis was unclear using conventional imaging modalities, but was established using cardiovascular magnetic resonance. © 2010 Drafts et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.