Traumatic lung herniation due to Cow's kick

Lung herniation, where the lung and its visceral and parietal components protrude outwards from a defect in the chest wall, is not common. It is most commonly secondary to blunt or penetrating trauma. The diagnosis is difficult, as the presentation differs according to aetiology. Ultrasound or CT scanning help in diagnosis and treatment planning. We present a 70-year-old female patient with lung herniation following a cow's kick on the thorax.

P039 INTERCOSTAL HERNIA FOLLOWING DIEP RECONSTRUCTION: A CASE PRESENTATION

Aim Intercostal lung herniation is a rare clinical condition defined as the protrusion of lung parenchyma beyond the anatomic boundaries of the thoracic wall. Acquired lung hernias are typically occur secondary to trauma or are associated with severe pulmonary disease. We present a case of lung herniation following DIEP breast reconstruction which is the first reported case to date. Material and Methods 40-year-old woman with a history of bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer and subsequent delayed, bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction. She returned to the emergency department four days after her reconstruction with chest pain, shortness of breath and swelling of her chest. CT angiography of her chest demonstrated a focal protrusion of her right lung into her anterior chest wall (Figure 1). Thoracic surgery was consulted for repair which was achieved with a patch technique using Allomax dermal matrix. Results We describe the first reported intercostal lung hernia following DIEP breast reconstruction reported in scientific literature. Our patient had no history of trauma, thoracic surgery or pulmonary disease which are considered the greatest risk factors for acquired intercostal lung herniation. Much like abdominal wall hernias, protrusion of tissue through a small defect places tissue at risk for ischemia. Early recognition is thus essential to avoid tissue loss. Conclusions Intercostal lung hernia is an uncommon clinical entity that has not previously been described as a complication of DIEP breast reconstruction. Its development is associated with significant morbidity including flap loss in this case. Early recognition of this rare complication is essential to avoid more severe sequelae of tissue ischemia.

Congenital pulmonary hernia secondary to absence of ribs

Congenital lung hernia is extremely rare with less than 50 reported cases.We report two cases of lung hernia, secondary to congenital absence of ribs – A 4‐year‐old girl without any antecedent history of chronic cough or chest trauma presenting with a left lower lobe hernia secondary to an absent left 9th rib; a 7 month‐old girl with recurrent pneumonia presenting with severe respiratory distress, fever and severe malnourishment, found to have absent 6th-9th ribs on right side with associated liver and lung herniation. The older girl has been kept on observation without surgery but the infant expired within 48 hours of admission due to respiratory failure. The clinical scenario is a rarity and can be managed conservatively in most cases. Surgical treatment should be considered in symptomatic patients and in those with severe complications. Repair for cosmetic reasons is sometimes justified.

Primary Lung Hernia After Blunt Chest Trauma: Chest Wall Repair Strategies

Lung herniation is a rare pathology seen after trauma. A case of acquired lung hernia is presented after blunt thoracic trauma that was repaired primarily. Surgical management and decision-making for this process are discussed.