title: Inflammatory nodule mimicking a phrenic neoplasm.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Isolated phrenic nerve nodule is usually a primitive tumour. Surgery is diagnostic and therapeutic at the same time. We report the case of a completely serum-negative Caucasian male with a right diaphragmatic relaxation associated to an isolated small nodule of the phrenic nerve.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient was referred to our unit complaining shortness of breath and progressive fatigue. A standard chest X-ray showed right diaphragmatic palsy; chest scanning revealed a nodular lesion belonging to the right phrenic nerve. Positron emission tomography was negative for glucose uptake. The preoperative diagnosis of primitive neurogenic tumour was thus supposed, and the patient treated by the lesion's surgical resection along with diaphragmatic plication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histopathological examination revealed an idiopathic inflammatory nodule of the phrenic nerve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Such condition has not previously been reported in the literature among the possible aetiology of a diaphragmatic relaxation.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Jacopo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vannucci
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scarnecchia
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Rachele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Del Sordo
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Lucio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cagini
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Puma
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: diaphragm; mediastinum; phrenic nerve; respiratory insufficiency