The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 38, 526-528, Copyright © 1984 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Triple diaphragmatic rupture with disruption of the pericardium: pericardial reconstruction by lyophilized dura allograft
F Juttner, H Pinter, D Kampler, K Tscheliessnigg and G Friehs
A patient is described with the unusual findings of intrapericardial
diaphragmatic rupture combined with total disruption of the pericardium and
partial abruption of the diaphragm from its costal origin. Through a third
traumatic diaphragmal leak, the small intestine had prolapsed intercostally
without contact to the pleural space. Surgical repair was done by direct
diaphragmatic suturing and lyophilized dura allograft reconstruction of the
left pericardial circumference. Postoperatively, atrioventricular block
secondary to myocardial contusion necessitated pacemaker implantation. The
patient left the hospital five weeks after the injury.