Sniff test

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 26 Feb 2024

The fluoroscopic sniff test, also known as diaphragm fluoroscopy, is a quick and easy real time fluoroscopic assessment of diaphragmatic motor function (excursion). It is used most often to confirm absence of muscular contraction of the diaphragm during inspiration in patients with phrenic nerve palsy or breathing difficulties following stroke. Chest radiograph demonstrating a newly elevated hemidiaphragm often precedes a sniff test.

In critically unwell patients who can not attend the fluoroscopy unit in the radiology department, bedside US assessment can be used to demonstrate appropriate diaphragmatic movement with normal respiration and when asked to sniff (see case 5).

Technique

The following technique is suggested:

  1. ask the patient to practice sniffing before the study

  2. with the patient either standing (preferred) or supine, perform frontal fluoroscopy of the diaphragm at rest, breathing quietly through an open mouth

  3. ask the patient to take a few quick short breaths in with a closed mouth ('sniffs') causing rapid inspiration

  4. occasionally, repeating (3) in the lateral projection is required to evaluate the posterior hemidiaphragms

Findings

In normal diaphragmatic motion:

  • the diaphragm contracts during inspiration: moves downwards

  • the diaphragm relaxes during expiration: moves upwards

  • both hemidiaphragms move together

  • in healthy patients 1-2.5 cm of excursion is normal in quiet breathing 2

  • 3.6-9.2 cm of excursion is normal in deep breathing 2

  • up to 9 cm can be seen in young or athletic individuals in deep inspiration 2

  • excursion in women is slightly less than men 2

In abnormal diaphragmatic motion:

  • the affected hemidiaphragm does not move downwards during inspiration

  • paradoxical motion can occur

Interpretation

Absence of diaphragmatic movement confirms phrenic nerve palsy in the appropriate clinical setting. A mass anywhere along the course of the phrenic nerve requires further workup, usually with neck and chest CT. A hilar mass due to lung cancer is the most common finding on CT and a classic exam case.

Normal diaphragmatic excursion can also be impaired in patients with:

  • previous diaphragmatic trauma or surgery

  • neuromuscular disorders

  • previous stroke

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