Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes
Published on: November 3, 2023
Diaphragm ultrasound as a predictor of successful extubation from mechanical ventilation
Ernest DiNino1, Eric J Gartman, Jigme M Sethi
1Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University, , Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA.
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate if ultrasound derived measures of diaphragm thickening, rather than diaphragm motion, can be used to predict extubation success or failure.
Methods:
Sixty-three mechanically ventilated patients were prospectively recruited. Diaphragm thickness (tdi) was measured in the zone of apposition of the diaphragm to the rib cage using a 7-10 MHz ultrasound transducer. The percent change in tdi between end-expiration and end-inspiration (Δtdi%) was calculated during either spontaneous breathing (SB) or pressure support (PS) weaning trials. A successful extubation was defined as SB for >48 h following endotracheal tube removal.
Results:
Of the 63 subjects studied, 27 patients were weaned with SB and 36 were weaned with PS. The combined sensitivity and specificity of Δtdi%≥30% for extubation success was 88% and 71%, respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91% and 63%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.79 for Δtdi%.
Conclusions:
Ultrasound measures of diaphragm thickening in the zone of apposition may be useful to predict extubation success or failure during SB or PS trials.
