What could a diaphragmatic rupture be mistaken for without chest imaging?
Haemothorax. A chest drain subsequently inserted risks damage to lung and herniated structures.
What structures are prone to herniation in the setting of abdominal trauma?
Non-retroperitoneal structures: stomach, small bowel, transverse colon.
Left diaphragmatic rupture with herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. Left pneumothorax and partial left lung collapse.