Premium
Phrenic nerve conduction study to diagnose unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis
Author(s) -
Reynaud Vivien,
Prigent Hélène,
Mulliez Aurélien,
Durand MarieChristine,
Lofaso Frédéric
Publication year - 2021
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.27144
Subject(s) - medicine , phrenic nerve , diaphragmatic breathing , anesthesia , paralysis , respiratory paralysis , nerve conduction , respiratory system , surgery , pathology , alternative medicine
Abstract Background Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis (UDP) has major clinical and etiological implications and, therefore, is important to diagnose. Lung function tests and invasive transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) measurements are widely used to this end but, contrary to phrenic nerve conduction study (NCS), they require volitional maneuvers and/or may be poorly tolerated by patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Pdi and phrenic NCS for UDP. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients with suspected UDP. The diagnosis established during a multidisciplinary meeting was the reference standard. Results Phrenic NCS correlated well with Pdi (r = 0.82, P < .005), and the two tests showed good agreement (κ = 0.82, P < .005). Phrenic NCS and Pdi measurements both had 95% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity, 95% positive predictive, and 87.5% negative predictive values. Conclusions Both tests were highly sensitive and specific. Phrenic NCS measurement is a simple, reproducible, noninvasive method whose results correlate well with Pdi and provide insight into the UDP mechanism. In the most difficult cases, combining lung function tests, respiratory muscle assessments, and phrenic NCS can help to establish the diagnosis.