Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Diaphragm Appearance: A Clue to the Diagnosis of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Pathology
Geraldine N Abbey-Mensah1, Stephen Waite1, Deborah Reede1
1Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
Abstract:
The diaphragm is often overlooked or incompletely evaluated when interpreting chest radiographs. Alterations in the appearance of the diaphragm on chest radiographs such as elevation, contour abnormalities, adjacent lucency, and calcifications can offer clues to pulmonary and extrapulmonary pathology. Familiarity with common causes of these alterations facilitates the appropriate selection of additional imaging and leads to the diagnosis of both benign and life-threatening processes. This article reviews normal variations in the appearance of the diaphragm as well as those associated with pulmonary and extrapulmonary pathology.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

