hemidiaphragm paralysis; elevation of one hemidiaphragm

Etiology

• phrenic nerve paralysis
• splinting secondary to:
  • pulmonary thromboembolism
  • rib fractures
• subpulmonic pleural effusion* - fluid between the base of the lung & the diaphragm elevates the base of the lung simulating elevation of the diaphragm

* Not true elevation of the hemidiaphragm, but appears to be radiographically

Radiology

• fluoroscopic SNIFF test

More general terms

• diaphragmatic paralysis

Additional terms

• hemidiaphragm