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Diaphragm depth in normal subjects
Author(s) -
Shahgholi Leili,
Baria Michael R.,
Sorenson Eric J.,
Harper Caitlin J.,
Watson James C.,
Strommen Jeffrey A.,
Boon Andrea J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.23953
Subject(s) - diaphragm (acoustics) , electromyography , medicine , anatomy , rib cage , ultrasound , intercostal muscle , biomedical engineering , respiratory system , acoustics , radiology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , vibration , physics
: Needle electromyography (EMG) of the diaphragm carries the potential risk of pneumothorax. Knowing the approximate depth of the diaphragm should increase the test's safety and accuracy. Methods : Distances from the skin to the diaphragm and from the outer surface of the rib to the diaphragm were measured using B mode ultrasound in 150 normal subjects. Results : When measured at the lower intercostal spaces, diaphragm depth varied between 0.78 and 4.91 cm beneath the skin surface and between 0.25 and 1.48 cm below the outer surface of the rib. Using linear regression modeling, body mass index (BMI) could be used to predict diaphragm depth from the skin to within an average of 1.15 mm. Conclusions : Diaphragm depth from the skin can vary by more than 4 cm. When image guidance is not available to enhance accuracy and safety of diaphragm EMG, it is possible to reliably predict the depth of the diaphragm based on BMI. Muscle Nerve 49 : 666–668, 2014