Chest Radiology > Pathology > Diaphragmatic Hernia

Diaphragmatic hernia

There are 3 types of diaphragmatic hernia that may be seen in CXR.  By far the most common is a hiatal hernia - the stomach slips through the esophageal hiatus into the chest.  A Bochdalek hernia is through a weakness in the diaphragm, and usually occurs on the left side posteriorly (Bochdalek - back and to the left).  Morgagni hernias typically occur medially.  Weakness of the diaphragm can occur without frank herniation of abdominal contents.  This is termed an eventration, and it usually occurs on the right with a portion of the liver bulging cephalad.

 

PA and lateral of hiatal hernia. Can you see the air-filled "mass" posterior to the heart?

 

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