J Korean Radiol Soc.  1997 Feb;36(2):241-245.

CT Anatomy of the Diaphragm: Changes in End Inspiration and End Expiration

• Kim SJ
• Han HJ
• Kim WJ
• Bae IH
• Han GS
• Cha SH
• Park KS
• Kim DY

Abstract

PURPOSE
To assess the change in configuration of the diaphragm between scans obtained at end inspiration and end expiration.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two series of CT scans at end inspiration and at end expiration were obtained in 37 patients. We evaluated the changes in the type of anterior diaphragm, pseudotumor, undulation ofthe diaphragm, and diaphragmatic defect during the respiratory phases.
RESULTS
The configuration of the anterior portion of the diaphragm changed between end inspiratory and end expiratory CT scans in 25(67.6%) of 37 patients. Diaphragmatic defect, diaphragmatic pseudotumor, and undulation of the diaphragm were more frequent at end inspiration (13.5%, 18.9%, 37.8%, respectively) than at end expiration (0%, 5.4%, 10.8%, respectively).
CONCLUSION
There is a change in the configuration of the anterior portion of the diaphragm and we also observed differences in the visualization of diaphragmatic defects, pseudotumor, and undulation between scans obtained at end inspiration and end expiration.

Keyword

Diaphragm, abnormalities; Diaphragm, CT

MeSH Terms

Diaphragm*
Humans
Tomography, X-Ray Computed