Chest X-Ray
 

Diaphragmatic Position

 
 
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On this page:Hemidiaphragmatic ElevationDiaphragmatic Flattening

Overview

    • Normal Position

    • The right diaphragm is usually 1cm higher than the left, due to the presence of the liver.

Hemidiaphragmatic Elevation

    • Causes of Diaphragmatic Elevation

    • Reduced lung volume - lobectomy, pneumonectomy, significant atelectasis
    • Diaphragmatic dysfunction - phrenic nerve palsy, diaphragmatic eventration
    • Intraabdominal pathology - ascites, tumour, collection
  • A pleural effusion can cause apparent hemidiaphragmatic elevation.

Diaphragmatic Flattening

    • Causes of Diaphragmatic Flattening

    • Hyperinflation - emphysema
    • Large pneumothorax

    • Example

    • Diaphragmatic depression secondary to hyperinflation
    • Diaphragmatic depression secondary to hyperinflation
       
 
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