Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Diaphragm

Overview

Journal Diagnostics (Basel)

Specialty Radiology

Date 2024 Jul 27

PMID 39061618

Authors

Taiga Itagaki

Yusuke Akimoto

Takuya Takashima

Jun Oto

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation injures not only the lungs but also the diaphragm, resulting in dysfunction associated with poor outcomes. Diaphragm ultrasonography is a noninvasive, cost-effective, and reproducible diagnostic method used to monitor the condition and function of the diaphragm. With advances in ultrasound technology and the expansion of its clinical applications, diaphragm ultrasonography has become increasingly important as a tool to visualize and quantify diaphragmatic morphology and function across multiple medical specialties, including pulmonology, critical care, and rehabilitation medicine. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the role and limitations of ultrasonography in assessing the diaphragm, especially among critically ill patients. Furthermore, we discuss a recently published expert consensus and provide a perspective for the future.

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