Ultrasonography of Diaphragm Can Predict Pulmonary Function in Spinal Cord Injury Patients: A Pilot Case-Control Study

Med Sci Monit, 2019 · DOI: 10.12659/MSM.917992 · Published: July 20, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Medical Imaging

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of diaphragm ultrasonography in cervical spinal cord injury patients to assess respiratory function. The research compares diaphragm thickness and movement between spinal cord injury patients and healthy individuals. The study also correlates diaphragmatic ultrasonography findings with pulmonary function tests in cervical spinal cord injury patients.

Study Duration

March 2017 and October 2017

Participants

30 patients with C4–C5 cervical spinal cord injury and 30 healthy volunteers

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Spinal cord injury patients showed increased diaphragm thickness compared to healthy volunteers.
2
Diaphragmatic excursion was increased in spinal cord injury patients during tidal breathing.
3
Right hemi-diaphragm excursion and thickness correlated positively with expiratory volume and forced vital capacity.

Research Summary

The study investigates the potential of diaphragm ultrasonography to evaluate pulmonary function in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. Results indicate differences in diaphragm thickness and motion between SCI patients and healthy controls, along with impaired pulmonary function in SCI patients. The study concludes that ultrasonography of the diaphragm correlates with pulmonary function and can be a non-invasive method for assessment.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment

Ultrasonography of the diaphragm can be used as a non-invasive method to assess diaphragmatic function in SCI patients.

Pulmonary Function Evaluation

Diaphragm ultrasonography provides an option to evaluate the pulmonary function for patients who cannot finish a pulmonary function test.

Monitoring Tool

Ultrasonography can be used to evaluate the longitudinal change of diaphragm and respiratory function.

Study Limitations

1
Strict selection criteria may limit generalizability to other SCI patients.
2
Only right hemi-diaphragm excursions were assessed due to visualization challenges.
3
Application of results to other SCI patients with differing injury levels/severities.

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