B‐lines beyond the thoracic cavity ‐ ultrasound identification of intercostal pulmonary hernia

Abstract

Intercostal pulmonary hernia is a rare condition that may present to the emergency department spontaneously, following blunt trauma or as a complication of thoracic surgery. With the evolution of minimally invasive thoracic surgery pulmonary hernia may become more common. In this case of postoperative chest pain, incisional swelling, and shortness of breath, we present the ultrasound characteristics of a postoperative intercostal pulmonary hernia and its resemblance to subcutaneous emphysema.

A patient with a pulmonary hernia and chance fracture of the thoracic vertebra following a fall: A case report and literature review

“…Other complications of pulmonary herniation like incarceration, strangulation, and hemoptysis are rare. A diagnosis can be confirmed by chest X-ray in the anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views, and a chest ultrasound can be an auxiliary method of diagnosis [ 15 ]. When conditions permit, a chest CT scan is recommended to determine the site, size, and scope of pulmonary herniation, the anatomical relationship between the herniation and surrounding structures, and whether other organs and structures are damaged [ 16 , 17 ].…”