Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped respiratory muscle separating the thoracic & abdominal cavities. A properly functioning diaphragm is necessary for lung aeration & survival. It is also involved in non-respiratory functions. Structure & functional status of diaphragm has clinical importance, can be studied by imaging & non-imaging tests. Fluoroscopy is the conventional imaging method to evaluate diaphragmatic movements, however it requires transportation & exposes the patients to the risk of ionizing radiation. Also,there are considerable limitations of other imaging tests like CT & MRI in evaluation of diaphragm. Ultrasound is radiation free, relatively inexpensive, readily accessible in ICU. B mode ultrasound can be used for assessment of diaphragmatic thickness,change in thickness during breathing & echogenecity. M mode allows quantifiable assessment of diaphragmatic excursion.These can be utilized in diagnosis, prognostic follow up of diaphragmatic paralysis & for assessment in various clinical conditions that affect diaphragmatic dysfunction.Present study aimed to evaluate feasibility & utility of ultrasonography in evaluation of diaphragmatic motion and diaphragmatic thickness.