Abstract
Bilateral paralysis of the diaphragm is either idiopathic or associated with several medical conditions, including trauma or thoracic surgery, viral infections, and neurologic congenital or degenerative disorders. We describe the case of a 36-year-old man with a history of neurofibromatosis who developed severe bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis from involvement of the phrenic nerve roots with neurofibromas. The patient manifested progressive exertional dyspnea and debilitating orthopnea requiring the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night. A review of the literature reveals that neurofibromatosis is an unrecognized cause of diaphragmatic paralysis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1196-1199 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | CHEST |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Diaphragm dysfunction
- Neurofibromatosis
- Phrenic nerve
- Respiratory failure
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine