Diaphragmatic rupture complicating labor

Diaphragmatic rupture during labor is rare and usually involves a history of congenital or traumatic diaphragmatic injury. The diagnosis is usually evident at the time of delivery. We relate the emergency department presentation of such a case, in which an initially confusing clinical presentation was clarified by unexpected findings on chest radiography. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded peripartum case in which the patient had undergone previous surgical repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. As very early discharge after delivery becomes more widespread, it may be anticipated that this and other complications of labor will be seen more frequently by emergency physicians.