The diaphragm: revision of the normal anatomy, function and iconographic review of frequent pathology with CT

This poster is published under an open license. Please read the disclaimer for further details.

Congress:

ECR 2014

Poster Number:

C-1283

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Pathology, Hernia, Diagnostic procedure, CT, Conventional radiography, Trauma, Thorax, Anatomy

Authors:

I. Candelaria¹, C. Oliveira², H. Donato¹, S. P. F. P. Basso¹, F. Caseiro Alves¹; ¹Coimbra/PT, ²Sao Martinho do Bispo/PT

DOI:

10.1594/ecr2014/C-1283

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/ecr2014/C-1283

Fig. 2: Illustration which depicts the most frequent locations for diaphragmatic...

Fig. 1: Schematic representation of the posterior and lateral diaphragmatic attachments...

Fig. 3: Schematic representation of diaphragmatic insertions. It depicts the anterior...

Fig. 4: Schematic representation of diaphragmatic innervation by phrenic nerves. Notice...

Learning objectives

Present a simplified revision of the normal anatomy, morphology and function of the diaphragm with CT and conventional radiography Review and iconographically demonstrate some of the most frequent pathology that can arise or involve the diaphragm.

Background

The diaphragm represents the most important muscle involved in the normal ventilation process, acting also as a physical barrier which separates the thorax from the abdomen. It can frequently be a cause of dyspnea, due to dysfunction which can be either intrinsic or extrinsic. The diaphragm has multiple attachments to the thoracic wall, some of which can be seen with CT, and represents an important landmark for the radiologist. POSTERIOR ATTACHMENTS DIAPHRAGMATIC CRURA They attach the diaphgram to the lumbar vertebral bodies and disks They...

Findings and procedure details

Chest radiography is an important method for evaluating the diaphragm, being the first imaging method which can give information regarding normal positioning and morphological changes, and determining whether or not further evaluation is needed. CT is, without any doubt, important for a more detailed evaluation of the diaphragm and any underlying condition which can cause changes in its normal position or morphology. It can also help depict with more accuracy the normal anatomy. This iconographic revision will focus mainly on common diaphragmatic pathology, such as...

Conclusion

The diaphragm is an important ventilatory muscle and its impairment or dysfunction can be a cause of dyspnea. Diaphragmatic dysfunction can arise from a multitude of entities, the most frequent being surgery, followed by congenital disorders and trauma, but not forgetting tumors, either primary or secondary. The most easily recognizable sign of impairment is its elevation, which can be seen with chest radiography. Nevertheless, conventional exams are seldomly sufficient for an accurate assessment of underlying conditions, which is why CT also plays an important part...

Personal information

Isabel Candelária 2nd year Radiology resident at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra - Serviço de Imagem Médica

References

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