Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: January 31, 2025
[Traumatic injuries of the diaphragm]
Masayuki Iwasaki1, Hiroshi Inoue
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.
Abstract:
Traumatic injuries of the diaphragm account for only a small proportion (2.5-10%) of cases of chest trauma. However, because of the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the diaphragm, early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. The diaphragm is composed of thin, membranous muscle tissue. Since, whether a person is resting or active, the diaphragm moves in the form of a large arch in the body cavity so long as the person is alive, it differs from other parenchymatous organs, and it is difficult to detect abnormalities by diagnostic imaging by means of computed tomography (CT), etc.. Thus, the patient's general condition (especially respiratory status) upon arrival at the hospital and an analysis of fine-grained plain films of the chest and thoracoabdominal ultrasound diagnostic examinations are important.
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