The diaphragm is the major muscle used during quiet breathing and abnormalities of diaphragm motion are a source of significant morbidity, especially in infants and young children. Diaphragm motion can be either normal, decreased, absent or paradoxical. Diaphragmatic paralysis may present with unexplained respiratory distress, difficulty in weaning the patient from mechanical ventilation and persistent elevated hemidiaphragm on chest radiographs. Early diagnosis of diaphragmatic paralysis is critical to minimize prolonged ventilatory support and consider surgical plication. Objectives: 1. To discuss our experience with diaphragm ultrasound (US) in suspected diaphragmatic paralysis. 2. To illustrate sonographic technique and protocol to perform diaphragm US. 3. To present a case-based review of the spectrum of normal and abnormal diaphragmatic motion. Read More

Meeting name: SPR 2017 Annual Meeting & Categorical Course , 2017

Authors: Smith Benjamin, Otero Hansel, Cielma Tara, Bandarkar Anjum

Keywords: diaphragm, diaphragmatic motion, ultrasound