Unilateral paralysis of the diaphragm during pregnancy: Case report and literature review

Dyspnea in pregnancy: An unusual cause

“…Effect of eventration of diaphragm on pregnancy is not elaborately mentioned in literature and is only known through a few case reports. [7][8][9] Pregnancy causes physiological decrease in FRC (by 18%) and increase in tidal volume (by 30-35%), which can be further accentuated by unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. In addition, Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis reduces the VC by approximately 25% and TLC by approximately 15% and these changes during pregnancy can pose an increased risk of hypoxemia and respiratory failure and thus increase materno-fetal morbidity and mortality.…”

“…In addition, Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis reduces the VC by approximately 25% and TLC by approximately 15% and these changes during pregnancy can pose an increased risk of hypoxemia and respiratory failure and thus increase materno-fetal morbidity and mortality. [1] Although cesarean section has been done in severe respiratory distress in few cases, [8][9][10] vaginal delivery has also been allowed in case of mild respiratory distress. [7] There must have been some congenital weakness or hypoplasia in the diaphragm dome which precipitated the condition, making our patient symptomatic near term (the changes being precipitated by size of gravid term uterus).…”

A Rare Cause of Dyspnea in Pregnancy: Diaphragmatic Eventration

“…Disturbance of this situation may suggest the presence of diaphragmatic eventration. Low forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume are observed in the first second during a respiratory function test [2]. Fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging may be utilized for diagnosis.…”

Bilateral diaphragmatic palsy in a parturient for emergency Caesarean delivery – What are our concerns?

“…Bilateral diaphragmatic palsy in a parturient is a rare condition and increases the peri-operative pulmonary complications. [12] A 27-year-old female (G 2 P 2 L 1 ) of term gestation presented with dyspnoea and orthopnoea for a month. She had history of anterior mediastinal mass excision 4 years back following which she had bilateral diaphragmatic palsy and was managed conservatively.…”

“…Pregnancy progressively raises IAP towards term and increases the risk of hypoxemia, atelectasis and aspiration. [26] CXR could not confirm diaphragmatic palsy as there is elevation of bilateral diaphragm during pregnancy. M-mode USG aids in diagnosis and monitoring diaphragm function peri-operatively.…”