Ultrasonographic Diagnosis for Dysfunction of the Diaphragm After Iatrogenic Tension Pneumoperitoneum by a Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedure: A Case Report.

There are various causes of dysfunction of the diaphragm. We present a case of diaphragm dysfunction caused by an excessive pneumoperitoneum in a 65-year-old woman. Her abdomen became distended during endoscopic investigation and circulatory failure occurred. A computed tomography scan revealed excessive pneumoperitoneum. Urgent laparotomy was performed to repair gastric perforation. Tracheal extubation was successfully performed in the intensive care unit. After extubation, a paradoxical breathing pattern appeared in addition to tachypnea. A diagnosis of dysfunction of the bilateral diaphragm was made by ultrasonography. Although nasal high-flow cannula therapy was required for several days, she was discharged from our hospital 2 weeks after surgery without any further complications. We should keep in mind that diaphragm dysfunction after excessive abdominal extension can be a cause of respiratory failure.