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Computed tomographic evaluation of maximal diaphragmatic crural thickness
D J Dovgan1, L Lenchik, A D Kaye
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Bridgeport Hospital, CT 06610.
Connecticut Medicine
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Diaphragmatic crural thickness, measured via CT scans, shows a consistent range across adult age groups and genders. The right crus is typically thicker than the left crus.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Diaphragmatic crural thickness is a key anatomical feature.
- Understanding its variations is important for clinical interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the range of maximal diaphragmatic crural thickness during respiration.
- To correlate crural thickness with patient age and gender.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of computed tomographic (CT) scans from 200 patients.
- Maximal short-axis crural thickness measurements were taken during inspiration, expiration, and dynamic scans.
- Analysis by side, age, and gender.
Main Results:
- The right crus was thicker than the left crus in 91% of patients.
- Maximal crural thickness ranged from 1.8-18.8 mm in men and 1.8-21.1 mm in women.
- Thickness remained constant across adult decades and did not significantly vary with age or gender for a specific respiratory phase.
Conclusions:
- Diaphragmatic crural thickness exhibits a defined range and anatomical asymmetry (right > left).
- Age and gender do not significantly influence maximal crural thickness within specific respiratory phases.
- These findings provide normative data for diaphragmatic anatomy.