Interest of ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic function in cardiac rehabilitation center: a case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 May;94(19):e801. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000801.

Abstract

Diaphragmatic paresis is a rare but recognized complication of atrial fibrillation ablation.A 59-year-old woman experiencing dyspnea in supine position and for minimal effort was admitted in a cardiac rehabilitation center. One month before, she was referred to a cardiac center to ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. After the procedure, the patient developed respiratory failure attributed to aspiration pneumonia and requiring mechanical ventilation.At admission in the rehabilitation center, M-mode ultrasonography reported an absence of movement of the right hemidiaphragm during quiet breathing and a paradoxical movement during voluntary sniffing.Chest ultrasonography can be useful to detect diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients suffering from dyspnea, at admission in a cardiac rehabilitation center. Its use should be envisaged more frequently.

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques / adverse effects*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Diaphragm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dyspnea / etiology*
  • Dyspnea / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Ultrasonography