Abnormality of the diaphragm Spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture Spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture is a rare complication of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in which abnormal collagen synthesis results in tissue fragility and weakness of the diaphragm, predisposing to full-thickness tearing without significant trauma, typically triggered by a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing, vomiting, or physical exertion, and resulting in herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. A full thickness tear of the diaphragm without significant trauma.