Colopleural fistula presenting as tension pneumothorax in strangulated diaphragmatic hernia

A case of colopleural fistula, resulting from strangulation and perforation of a diaphragmatic hernia and presenting as tension pneumothorax, is reported. The hernia was most likely a consequence of a stab wound to the left side of the chest four years before admittance. Colopleural fistula as a cause of tension pneumothorax is an extremely rare entity, reported only once in past English medical literature.