[Unilateral phrenic nerve paralysis after vertical infraclavicular plexus block]

We present a case of a rapid onset reversible phrenic nerve block following vertical infraclavicular blockade of the brachial plexus. Five minutes after injection of local anaesthetics the SpO2 fell to 80%. Oxygen supplementation was required during the perioperative period to maintain normoxemia. The postoperative X-ray showed an elevated diaphragm of the ipsilateral side. After five hours oxygen supply could be terminated, an X-ray control the next day showed normal bilateral diaphragm position.