Etymed
diaphragmatocele
Definition
A hernia or swelling that occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakness in the diaphragm
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath after a severe coughing episode. On examination, there is decreased breath sounds on the right side with a visible bulge in the chest wall. CT scan reveals a herniated stomach through a defect in the diaphragm. This patient has a diaphragmatocele.
Mnemonic
DIAPHRAGM - Diaphragm hernia, Abdominal organs, Gas, Pulmonary, and More - Think of 'DAM' for diaphragm hernia as the organ pushes through the 'dam' of the diaphragm
These morphemes also unlock…
- diaphragm/o — diaphragm
- a- — without; not
- cele — hernia; swelling