RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Bilateral Bochdalek Hernias Presenting as Respiratory Failure in an Elderly Patient
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 691
OP 694
DO 10.4187/respcare.00817
VO 56
IS 5
A1 Carlos L Alviar
A1 Juan P Cordova
A1 Aleksandr Korniyenko
A1 Fahad Javed
A1 Miguel Tsukayama
A1 Gopal Narayanswami
YR 2011
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/56/5/691.abstract
AB Bochdalek hernia occurs from a congenital defect of the diaphragm, allowing the passage of abdominal structures into the thoracic cavity, limiting lung expansion and ventilatory function. Bochdalek hernia is common in neonates but rarely occur in adults; there are only 4 documented cases in the elderly population. We present a case of an 88-year-old woman with severe hypoxia and respiratory failure that required ventilatory support, in whom bilateral Bochdalek hernias progressed over the years and severely invaded the thoracic cavity, causing acute decompensation. This is a rare condition in adults but can cause substantial morbidity when the involvement of the thoracic cavity is severe.