Flattening of the diaphragm
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Gaillard F, Bell D, Kang O, et al. Flattening of the diaphragm. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 21 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-9201
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rID:
9201
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Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Frank Gaillard had no recorded disclosures.
View Frank Gaillard's current disclosures
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At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no recorded disclosures.
View Daniel J Bell's current disclosures
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- Flattened hemidiaphragms
Flattening of the diaphragm is the most sensitive sign on chest radiographs for the presence of hyperinflation of the lungs, usually due to emphysema 1,2.
On a lateral chest radiograph, the normal dome of each hemidiaphragm should rise at least 1.5 cm above a line connecting the costophrenic angle posteriorly and sternophrenic angle anteriorly 1.
On a frontal chest radiograph, the normal dome of each hemidiaphragm should rise at least 1.5 cm above a line connecting the costophrenic angle laterally and cardiophrenic angle medially 1.
References
- 1. Chest radiology. edited by Jannette Collins, Eric J. Stern. Philadelphia : Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, c2008. ISBN:0781763142 (find it at amazon.com)
- 2. Robertson RJ. Imaging in the evaluation of emphysema. Thorax. 1999;54 (5): 379. doi:10.1136/thx.54.5.379 [free text at pubmed] [pubmed citation]
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