Chest | ct / xray / upper-gi
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia means part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm through the opening where the esophagus passes. It is often found incidentally and may or may not be related to symptoms such as reflux or chest discomfort.
Hiatal hernia means part of the stomach extends upward through the diaphragm.
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What it means
A hiatal hernia means part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm through the opening where the esophagus passes. It is often found incidentally and may or may not be related to symptoms such as reflux or chest discomfort.
Also seen as: stomach hernia, sliding hiatal hernia.
How common it is
Hiatal hernia is a common incidental finding, especially in adults and older patients.
Common incidental adult finding
Hiatal hernia is frequently noted on chest and abdominal imaging, especially in adults and older patients.
Common causes
- Widening of the diaphragmatic opening
- Age-related change
- Pressure-related factors
- Associated reflux disease in some patients
When doctors worry
- The hernia is large or associated with obstruction-type symptoms
- There is severe reflux or swallowing difficulty
- The report suggests a paraesophageal hernia or complication
Typical follow-up
- Many small hiatal hernias need no specific imaging follow-up
- Doctors focus more on symptoms
- Large or complicated hernias may prompt specialist evaluation
Example report wording
Small hiatal hernia.
See phrase explanationModerate hiatal hernia noted incidentally.
See phrase explanation
Common report phrases linked to this finding
Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery.
"Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery." is radiology report language linked to pulmonary embolism and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.
"Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis." is radiology report language linked to gallstones and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Disc extrusion causing mass effect on the traversing nerve root.
"Disc extrusion causing mass effect on the traversing nerve root." is radiology report language linked to disc herniation and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Moderate hiatal hernia noted incidentally.
"Moderate hiatal hernia noted incidentally." is radiology report language linked to hiatal hernia and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Small hiatal hernia.
"Small hiatal hernia." is radiology report language linked to hiatal hernia and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Frequently asked questions
Does a hiatal hernia always cause symptoms?
No. Many hiatal hernias are incidental findings.
Why is it mentioned on a chest or abdominal scan?
Because part of the stomach can be visible above the diaphragm on imaging.
Related symptom guides
These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.
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Pain Under the Left Rib: What Imaging Sometimes Looks For
Pain under the left rib can overlap with stomach, spleen, pancreas, lung-base, and chest wall causes. Imaging may help when symptoms persist or the clinical picture is unclear.
Clear medical disclaimer
Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.
This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.
Sources
Sources and medical review process
RadDx finding pages are written for patient education using consumer-friendly radiology references, plain-language terminology resources, and cautious summary review of common imaging follow-up frameworks.
- Reviewed by
- RadDx Editorial Team
- Last reviewed
- March 10, 2026
- RadiologyInfo.org
RSNA and ACR
- MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
National Cancer Institute
Sources are used for patient education context and terminology support. They do not replace clinician review of your individual report.
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