Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia Following the Convergence Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation

Cureus. 2024 Jan 1;16(1):e51484. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51484. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

This case report highlights a very rare variant of diaphragmatic hernia, namely, an intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia, which can arise as a complication of the convergence procedure. A 77-year-old man, presenting with chronic shortness of breath and fatigue, was unexpectedly found to have herniation of the transverse colon into the pericardial cavity through a diaphragmatic-pericardial defect. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired with mesh via robotic surgery. The patient reported resolution of his symptoms at the six-month follow-up.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; convergence procedure; diaphragmatic hernia; pericardial hernia; robotic surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports