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Case history
A 50-year-old man was referred to us complaining of a swelling in his neck while coughing. He had a 1-year history of a dry cough. He was an ex-smoker with a 10 pack-year history. Examination of his chest at rest was normal, without any cervical lymphadenopathy or signs of superior vena cava obstruction (figure 1A). Examination while coughing revealed a visible swelling on the right side of the neck (figure 1B). Chest radiograph was normal. CT of his chest was performed during inspiration and while performing a Valsalva manoeuvre, which showed an apical lung hernia at the right apex (figure 2A–C).
Discussion
Apical lung herniation in adults is rare particularly in the absence of penetrating lung injury or chest wall disease.1 2 It is due to a defect in the suprapleural membrane (Sibson's fascia), and small incidental apical parietal pleural defects have been described which may be present prior to the development of a larger defect.3 4 Tearing of the fascia and spontaneous hernias have been described in players of wind instruments, weightlifters and those with a chronic cough, which may have occurred in our patient.2 5 The defect is usually large enough to prevent trapping and incarceration of the lung.3 5 6 Repair may be necessary in patients with incarceration, symptoms of local compression, for example, dysphagia from oesophageal compression, or for cosmetic purposes.6 7 The diagnosis can be easily missed both clinically and radiologically if examination is not made during a Valsalva manoeuvre.
Learning points
It is important to consider apical lung hernia in patients who complain of neck swelling and whose clinical examination and chest radiograph are normal.
Diagnosis requires examination and CT imaging to be performed during a Valsalva manoeuvre.
Footnotes
Competing interests None.
Patient consent Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.