A case of faecopneumothorax resulting from a delayed diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic injury

Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition that can result from blunt or penetrating trauma. It is often asymptomatic for years, making diagnosis challenging. In fact, up to 66% of diaphragmatic ruptures can go unnoticed at the time of trauma. Delayed diagnosis can lead to complications, including faecopneumothorax. Faecopneumothorax caused by strangulated diaphragmatic hernia is an extremely rare clinical condition. We report the case of a 15-year-old Iranian female who had a history of a motor vehicle accident 1 year prior to being referred to our center. She presented with tension faecopneumothorax, which occurred due to the incarceration and strangulation of the large bowel in the thoracic cavity. the patient was urgently transferred to the operating room for exploratory surgery. In patients presenting with symptoms of pulmonary or intestinal obstruction and a history of thoracoabdominal injury, the clinician should consider diaphragmatic hernia as a potential diagnosis. Prompt recognition of this condition is crucial as complications can significantly increase morbidity and mortality rates.