|
Chest radiograph
|
Inexpensive; readily available
|
Limited sensitivity and specificity
|
Reasonable first test screening
|
|
Ultrasound
|
Portable; inexpensive; widely available; real-time data
|
Operator dependent; limited by acoustic window in the chest, especially in large patients
|
Prenatal and paediatric group, where radiation dose is a concern
|
|
CT
|
Good spatial resolution providing anatomical detail; wide field of view; multi-planar reconstruction
|
Radiation exposure; potentially nephrotoxic iodinated contrast
|
Comprehensive evaluation of thoracic hernia-establishing diagnosis; characterising the type; identifying contents; detecting complications; providing road map to intervention/surgery
|
|
MRI
|
Good spatial resolution; excellent contrast resolution; multi-planar acquisition; wide field of view
|
Limited to a few of centres; time-consuming; expensive; contraindications
|
Further classification of diaphragmatic hernias and hernias, particularly those involving cardiac structures
|
|
Fluoroscopy
|
Real-time anatomical and physiological information
|
Radiation exposure; requires patient cooperation
|
Evaluation and classification of hiatal hernias; gastrointestinal leaks
|
