Minding the Gap: Clinical Manifestations of a Rare Type IV Hiatal Hernia

Shaunak Patel; Silpa Yarra; Shayan Owji; Jacob E Benavidez; Quan D Nguyen

doi:10.7759/cureus.9275

Minding the Gap: Clinical Manifestations of a Rare Type IV Hiatal Hernia

Cureus. 2020 Jul 19;12(7):e9275. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9275.

Authors

Shaunak Patel¹, Silpa Yarra¹, Shayan Owji¹, Jacob E Benavidez¹, Quan D Nguyen¹

Affiliation

¹ Radiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.

Abstract

Hiatal hernias are classified according to the increasing severity of protruding intra-abdominal viscera through the esophageal hiatus (types I-IV). Herein is the case of an elderly patient presenting with recent-onset dyspnea, postprandial gastroesophageal reflux, and hypoxemia. Imaging revealed a rare type IV hiatal hernia implicating the stomach and part of the pancreas. This case highlights the seemingly benign clinical manifestations of a massive hiatal hernia, despite its ability to complicate treatment or exacerbate comorbid conditions.

Keywords: hiatal hernia.

Publication types

Case Reports