Bilateral Isolated Phrenic Neuropathy: a Rare Cause of Dyspnoea
  • Carlos Couto
    Pulmonology Department, Garcia de Orta Hospital, Almada, Portugal
  • Pedro Pereira
    Neurology Department, Garcia de Orta Hospital, Almada, Portugal
  • Ana Catarina Moreira
    Pulmonology Department, Garcia de Orta Hospital, Almada, Portugal
  • Vicência Ribeiro
    Pulmonology Department, Garcia de Orta Hospital, Almada, Portugal
  • José Duarte
    Pulmonology Department, Garcia de Orta Hospital, Almada, Portugal

Keywords

Diaphragmatic paralysis, dyspnoea, hypoventilation, noninvasive ventilation, phrenic neuropathy

Abstract

Bilateral diaphragm paralysis due to bilateral isolated phrenic neuropathy (BIPN) is a very rare cause of unexplained respiratory failure.
We present a 65-year-old patient with no relevant previous medical history who presented in the Pulmonology Clinic with mMRC1 dyspnoea and orthopnoea. After the medical work-up, diaphragmatic paresis was diagnosed. Inspiratory muscle training resulted in mild symptomatic improvement and treatment with noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) was initiated.
This condition is generally chronic and has a poorer prognosis, compared to other cases of phrenic nerve involvement. In this case, NIV restored near-normal daily function.

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    Published: 2020-01-30
    Issue: 2020: Vol 7 No 2 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Couto C, Pereira P, Moreira AC, Ribeiro V, Duarte J. Bilateral Isolated Phrenic Neuropathy: a Rare Cause of Dyspnoea. EJCRIM 2020;7 doi:10.12890/2020_001258.

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