Thoracic hernias: What the radiologist should know

Thoracic hernias encompass the protrusion of thoracic contents through the thorax or intra-abdominal tissue into the thorax. They can be classified as diaphragmatic hernias – either congenital or acquired; pulmonary hernias – involving tissue protrusion through cervical fascia or intercostal spaces; and mediastinal hernias – including cardiac, intrapericardial and hiatal hernias. Prompt identification and classification of thoracic hernias rely on diagnostic imaging, primarily through computed tomography and magnetic resonance, to identify associated complications. This article comprehensively reviews thoracic hernias and their key imaging features.