Can't Take a Deep Breath

摘要

PRESENTATION:When presented with complaints of dyspnea and abdominal pain, clinicians usually focus on the cardiac and/or respiratory system, or on subdiaphragmatic conditions that impinge on the thoracic cage. However, it is important to recognize those processes that traverse both body cavities. An 82-year-old Caucasian man with underlying dilated cardiomyopathy and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented to us after 5 days of dyspnea, particularly with inspiration, along with vague abdominal pain and discomfort. He had no fever, nausea, or vomiting and was able to move his bowels and pass flatus. He had no history of prior surgery or trauma to his chest or abdomen