Described signs on CT to identify diaphragm injury
Sign | Description |
Collar | Constriction of the viscera within the diaphragmatic defect (ie, collar too tight). |
Dependent viscera | Viscera seen dependent on thoracic wall after herniating through the defect. |
Contiguous injury | Injury tract visible on both sides of the diaphragm. |
Diaphragm thickening | Thickening due to diaphragm retraction. |
Curled diaphragm | Irregular diaphragm thickening. |
Hump | Hump shape of the liver herniated through right-sided injury (similar to collar sign on the left). |
Band | Linear area of hypoattenuation through herniated liver. |
Discontinuous diaphragm | Focal defect in the diaphragm. |
Dangling diaphragm | Free edge of the diaphragm curls inward toward the center of the body. |
Visceral herniation | Herniation of organs into the thoracic cavity. |