Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lung bulging through chest wall from a stubborn cough
By Kapadia K et al.·2026·Department of Internal Medicine Sunrise Health GME Consortium, United States·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Spontaneous Lung Herniation From a Stubborn Cough.
Plain-English summary
A middle-aged male dog developed a rare condition called spontaneous intercostal lung herniation, which means part of his lung pushed through the chest wall due to a stubborn cough. He had minimal risk factors and experienced symptoms like chest pain and trouble breathing. The condition was diagnosed using a special imaging test called a CT scan, and he underwent surgery to fix the herniation. Early detection and surgical treatment are important to prevent serious complications from this condition. The treatment was successful in addressing the issue.
Abstract
Spontaneous intercostal herniation of the lung (SLIH) is a rare effect of a stubborn cough characterized by protrusion of the lung parenchyma through the thoracic wall. With varying presentations from chest pain and haemoptysis to severe respiratory distress, SLIH often goes overlooked as a potential differential and has no set gold standard of diagnosis or treatment. Here, a middle-aged male with minimal risk factors developed an anterolateral left lung herniation between the 7th and 8th ribs requiring surgical repair. Early recognition via computed topography (CT) and operative management may reduce the significant morbidity and potential complications associated with SLIH.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42006587