Ker, James A.Van Beljon, Johan2007-11-012007-11-012004-07Ker, J & van Beljon, J 2004, 'Diaphragmatic hernia mimicking an atrial mass : a two-dimensional echocardiographic pitfall and a cause of postprandial syncope', Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 182-183. [http://www.cvjsa.co.za]1680-0745http://hdl.handle.net/2263/3834A large hiatal hernia constitutes a form of posterior mediastinal mass that can encroach on the posterior aspects of the heart. During two-dimensional echocardiography this phenomenon may be confused with an intra-atrial mass or various other posterior mediastinal masses. Furthermore, such a large hiatal hernia encroaching on the heart may cause syncope. We present such a case and the various possible mechanisms of syncope, as well as review the two-dimensional echocardiographic pitfalls in these patients.85968 bytesapplication/pdfenClinics CardivDiaphragmatic herniaPostprandial syncopeHiatal herniaHeartSyncope (Pathology)EchocardiographyArticle