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Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Abnormal elevation of the diaphragm due to absent or deficient
diaphragm muscles with only the peripheral thoracic attachments
showing normal muscle. There are two types: (1) congenital, due to
defective diaphragm muscle formation and (2) acquired, due to atrophy
of diaphragm muscles secondary to prenatal or postnatal phrenic nerve
injury. The acquired type is the most common.
Pathology:
Marked decrease in muscle fibers between the parietal pleura and the
peritoneum. The affected area appears membranous.
Imaging Findings:
Generalized elevation of the diaphragm with the abdominal viscera
contained by a thin but intact diaphragm.
DDX:
References:
See References Chapter.
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