An interesting phase of the case here reported is the fact that diaphragmatic hernia may be confused with appendicitis. From a theoretical standpoint it scarcely seems probable that a condition pathologically and anatomically so different from diaphragmatic hernia as acute appendicitis could be confused with the former. Yet this did happen, and Borden1 recently reported a similar mistake, although in a widely different and more chronic form of diaphragmatic hernia.
REPORT OF CASE
History.
—J. B., a white man, aged 28, a city fireman, was admitted to the hospital, Dec. 30, 1920, complaining of pain in the abdomen. December 23, while at a fire, the patient was overcome by smoke. He did not remember much of what had happened to him, but was told by companions that his asphyxia was rather profound, and the pulmotor was used. Before the accident, to the best of his knowledge, he was in