Timing of Abdominal CT Evaluation Impacts the Diagnosis of Paraduodenal Hernia

Abstract

Internal hernias are the causes of 0.5 to 5.8 per cent of all cases of small bowel obstruction. Left paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is the most common congenital internal hernia encountered in adults. The symptoms and physical findings associated with PDH are vague and nonspecific before the onset of complicated intestinal obstruction. Diagnoses are most commonly established by CT. This case presentation and review is intended to promote clinicians’ awareness of this unusual but potentially highly morbid condition, discuss CT findings associated with PDH, and illustrate the importance of timing in the acquisition of diagnostic abdominal CT scans.