A Decreased Preload Due to a Loaded Stomach: A Rare Presentation of a Paraesophageal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is a condition in which intraabdominal content herniates into the intrathoracic cavity. On rare occasions, a hiatal hernia can lead to cardiorespiratory compromise. We report a case of chest pain followed by cardiac arrest in a patient not known to have hiatal hernia, and without preliminary symptoms. The patient was suspected of having cardiac ischemia; however, angiography did not reveal any abnormalities. Chest tomography revealed a large paraesophageal hernia with compression of the right ventricle causing decreased preload and cardiac output. Gastric decompression was performed, and definitive surgical treatment took place the subsequent day. The postoperative course was uncomplicated.