Real-time sector ultrasound in the evaluation of suspected abnormalities of diaphragmatic motion.

Real-time sector ultrasonography is the only imaging procedure that can simultaneously evaluate the paradiaphragmatic spaces, the hemidiaphragms themselves, and their motion. Our experience with the use of real-time ultrasonography in the evaluation of 14 cases of suspected abnormalities of diaphragmatic motion and position is presented. With the exception of an equivocal examination in a patient who was completely respirator dependent, all of the sonographic diagnoses were consistent with available clinical and imaging follow-up. Real-time sector ultrasonography should be used as the primary imaging modality for evaluation of suspected abnormalities of diaphragmatic motion and position.