Angiographic Findings in Diaphragmatic Rupture

SUMMARYThe angiographic findings are presented in four patients with ruptured diaphragms. With rupture of the left hemidiaphragm the findings vary with the structures herniating. Gastric, mesenteric or splenic artery branches extending into the lower chest indicate herniation of the stomach, bowel or spleen. A herniating spleen is frequently ruptured. On the right, the liver is generally the only organ to herniate. An indentation in the lateral liver margin in the venous phase, if present, indicates the level of the diaphragm.