Teachable Moment: Diaphragm EDX and Ultrasound-Video File

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This video discusses a case of a 48-year-old man with shortness of breath associated with left shoulder pain. Phrenic nerve conduction studies revealed left phrenic nerve damage, leading to a diagnosis of severe left phrenic neuropathy, potentially caused by neuralgic amyotrophy. Ultrasound imaging showed significant atrophy and lack of thickening in the left hemidiaphragm, confirming the nerve injury. Clinical pearls include measurements of diaphragm thickness and thickening fraction, as well as cautioning patients with phrenic neuropathy about the risk of immersion in water. The importance of proper diagnostic techniques and interpretation in cases of suspected phrenic nerve damage is highlighted.

Keywords

shortness of breath

left shoulder pain

phrenic nerve conduction studies

phrenic neuropathy

diaphragm thickness