Ultrasound is the most reliable, easily available, fast, non-invasive technique to study diaphragm function, and is an irreplaceable tool to diagnose, monitor and follow-up critical respiratory patients. This essential guide analyses every aspect of ultrasound of the diaphragm, a reliable assessment of whose function is vital to provide the most suitable treatment. It provides insight to diagnose diaphragmatic dysfunction or paralysis following surgery or neuromuscular diseases, to follow the muscular activity and the time-course of atrophy during mechanical ventilation, and to monitor the weaning phase. It is ideal for professionals and trainees practicing ultrasound in a clinical setting.

Key Features

Sets the standard for training and competency of this emerging, yet scientifically approved non-invasive technique of ultrasound with all the essential information on how to perform ultrasound and interpret the images obtained.
Features clear and didactic images demonstrating echo findings in various situations along with videos of diaphragmatic ultrasound offering a unique "window" on mechanically ventilated patients, allowing to take important clinical decisions on ventilatory modes and assistance by pulmonologists, critical care specialists, thoracic surgeons, emergency medicine specialists as well as trainees.
Includes a chapter on pediatric ultrasound along with ultrasound of other respiratory muscles (i.e., intercostal and abdominal) which is emerging as a useful complementary tool.

Part I: Introduction

1. Anatomy, Physiology and Dysfunction of the diaphragm
Marco Gemma

2. Ultrasound basics
Massimo Zambon

Part II: Diaphragm ultrasound: technique

3. Diaphragmatic excursion
Massimo Zambon

4. Diaphragmatic thickness and thickening
Massimo Zambon

Part III: Applications of diaphragm ultrasound

5. Diaphragm ultrasound in respiratory disorders and diaphragm paralysis
Pauliane Vieira Santana, Leticia Zumpano Cardenas and Andre Luis Pereira de Albuquerque

6. Assessment of diaphragmatic dysfunction in mechanically ventilated patients
Quentin Fossé and Martin Dres

7. Diaphragm Ultrasound during weaning from mechanical ventilation
Mark E. Haaksma, Heder J. de Vries, Leo Heunks and Pieter R. Tuinman

8. Diaphragmatic ultrasound after thoracic and abdominal surgery
Luigi Vetrugno, Daniele Orso, Elena Bignami and Gianmaria Cammarota

9. Diaphragm ultrasound in patients with neuromuscular disorders
Abdallah Fayssoil

10. Other applications of diaphragm ultrasound: trauma, malignancies, ultrasound guided procedures
Annia Schreiber, Cristian Deana and Luigi Vetrugno

Part IV: New perspectives

11. Ultrasound assessment of the accessory respiratory muscles
Myrte Wennen, Annemijn H. Jonkman, Zhonghua Shi and Pieter R. Tuinman

12. Tissue Doppler Imaging of the diaphragm
Eleni Soilemezi, Panagiota Sotiriou, Savvoula Savvidou and Matthew Tsagourias

13. Ultrasound of the diaphragm in pediatric patients
Massimo Zambon