Acquired Abdominal Intercostal Hernia : A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract EN

Acquired abdominal intercostal hernia (AAIH) is a rare disease phenomenon where intra-abdominal contents reach the intercostal space directly from the peritoneal cavity through an acquired defect in the abdominal wall musculature and fascia.

We discuss a case of a 51-year-old obese female who arrived to the emergency room with a painful swelling between her left 10th rib and 11th rib.

She gave a history of a stab wound to the area 15 years earlier.

A CT scan revealed a fat containing intercostal hernia with no diaphragmatic defect.

An open operative approach with a hernia patch was used to repair this hernia.

These hernias are difficult to diagnose, so a high clinical suspicion and thorough history and physical exam are important.

This review discusses pathogenesis, clinical presentation, complications, and appropriate treatment strategies of AAIH.