Ultrasound assessment of the diaphragm: Preliminary study of a canine model of X‐linked myotubular myopathy

Abstract

Introduction We tested the feasibility of using neuromuscular ultrasound for non-invasive real time assessment of diaphragmatic structure and function in a canine model of X-Linked Myotubular Myopathy (XLMTM). Methods Ultrasound images in 3 dogs (Wild Type WT, n=1; XLMTM untreated, n=1; XLMTM post AAV8-mediated MTM1 gene replacement, n=1) were analyzed for diaphragm thickness, change in thickness with respiration, muscle echogenicity, and diaphragm excursion amplitude during spontaneous breathing. Results Quantitative parameters of diaphragm structure were different among the animals. WT diaphragm was thicker and less echogenic than the XLMTM control, whereas the diaphragm measurements of the MTM1-treated XLMTM dog were comparable to the WT dog. Discussion This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of using ultrasound for quantitative assessment of the diaphragm in a canine model. Ultrasonography may potentially replace invasive measures of diaphragm function in canine models and in humans in the future, for non-invasive respiratory monitoring and evaluation of neuromuscular disease.

Effect of local anesthetic volume (20 mL vs 30 mL ropivacaine) on electromyography of the diaphragm and pulmonary function after ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomized controlled trial

“…Some studies have evaluated diaphragm function using B-mode ultrasonography,26 27 which provides information on the physical form and structure of tissues but only allows subjective evaluation of movement 28. Other studies have used M-mode ultrasonography to observe paralysis of the right diaphragm 29 30.…”

Ultrasonographic diaphragm thickness correlates with compound muscle action potential amplitude and forced vital capacity

“…M‐mode USG is technically more difficult, particularly in obese patients or when imaging the left hemidiaphragm . Compared with M‐mode USG, B‐mode is more appropriate for measuring precise thickness using the surrounding tissue for reference . We measured diaphragm thickness only at end‐expiration.…”

Validation of ultrasonography for non‐invasive assessment of diaphragm function in muscular dystrophy

“…In animals, diaphragm ultrasonography has been tested in a canine model of X‐linked myotubular myopathy (Sarwal et al . ) and a recent study showed that this technique could also accurately measure diaphragm movement in wild‐type mice (Zuo et al . ).…”