Diaphragmatic flutter emulating recalcitrant asthma

South Med J. 1997 Feb;90(2):234-6. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199702000-00015.

Abstract

Diaphragmatic flutter is a rare phenomenon characterized by high-frequency, pulsatile contractions of the thorax and abdominal wall associated with breathlessness. We describe the case of a patient previously treated for status asthmaticus who had physical signs of diaphragmatic flutter. Respiratory inductive plethysmography confirmed the diagnosis, simplifying medical management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diaphragm / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Plethysmography
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / etiology
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Status Asthmaticus / complications
  • Status Asthmaticus / diagnosis*
  • Status Asthmaticus / physiopathology