%0 Journal Article %A Maha S. Abdel Hadi %A Abdulmohsen A. Al-Mulhim %A Naif I. Al-Awad %A Hazem M. Zakaria %A Majed S. Al-Awami %T Diaphragmatic injury. A clinical review %D 2001 %J Saudi Medical Journal %P 890-894 %V 22 %N 10 %X OBJECTIVE: Recent experience at King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was reviewed to identify the pitfalls in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries, and attempt to develop a scheme by which early diagnosis is achieved in order to avoid the sequelae of delayed presentations.METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the surgical service, with the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury was undertaken during the period June 1994 through to June 1999.RESULTS: The total number was 8 patients, and the age ranged between 6-71 years. Of these patients 5 were diagnosed immediately post-traumatic, 2 with delayed presentation, and one with recurrent post-traumatic repair. This case was excluded. Six patients presented following blunt and one after penetrating trauma. Rupture occurred mainly on the left dome of the diaphragm in 5 patients and on the right in 2. Complications ranged from mild chest symptoms to severe respiratory and multi-system involvement.CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic injuries occurred in 2%-5% of multiple trauma victims. It is considered a predictor of serious associated injuries, However, as many as 10%-30% are missed during the initial evaluation. A high index of suspicion is required, and judicious use of diagnostic aids should be employed to reach early diagnosis to avoid the sequelae of missed injuries. %U https://smj.org.sa/content/smj/22/10/890.full.pdf