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Phrenic Nerve Injury from Birth Trauma

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Phrenic Nerve Injury from Birth Trauma

  • Pathophysiology
  1. Associated with Brachial Birth Trauma
  2. Unilateral diaphragm paralysis
  • Signs
  1. Respiratory distress
  2. Diminished breath sounds on affected side
  • Radiology
  • Ultrasound or Fluoroscopy of diaphragm
  1. Diaphragm elevated on affected side
  2. Affected diaphragm moves upward with inspiration
  • Management
  1. Pulmonary toilet while resolving
  2. Refractory cases
    1. Diaphragmatic plication
    2. Phrenic nerve pacing
  • Course
  1. Resolves over 1 to 3 months