[Isolated, unilateral paresis of the phrenic nerve after pneumonia and pleurisy].
Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis has many causes. Tumor and trauma are the two most frequent identifiable causes. Infectious processes involving the lung and/or mediastinum may result in temporary or permanent diaphragmatic paralysis. We report the case of an 81-year old man who suffered from right-sided pneumonia followed by a period of several months with exertion dyspnea. Radiological examinations showed an elevated right diaphragm, abnormal restrictive lung function, and impaired diaphragmatic muscle strength. The neurophysiological studies provided evidence of a partial phrenic nerve lesion. We discuss the differential diagnosis of isolated phrenic nerve lesions with particular regard to infections.
Zifko
U A
UA
Klinik Pirawarth, Kur- und Rehabilitationszentrum, Kurhausstrasse 100, A-2222 Bad Pirawarth. Zifko@Klinik-Pirawarth.at
Lahrmann
H
H
Schmidt
G
G
Wild
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010998:Pleurisy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology