@article{Law_S-2022_84541,
title = {COVID-19 associated phrenic nerve mononeuritis: a case series},
author = {Law, S. and Scott, K. and Alkarn, A. and Mahjoub, A. and Mallik, A. and Roditi, G. and Choo-Kang, B.},
month = {apr},
year = {2022},
abstract = {This study characterised the hemidiaphragm elevation on 3-month interval chest X-rays (CXRs) of patients post COVID-19 pneumonia. 467 CXRs were screened; 19 (4.1%) had an elevated hemidiaphragm. There were 15 (3.2%) patients of interest with new hemidiaphragm elevation, persisting on average 7 months post COVID-19 diagnosis. Symptomatic patients underwent diaphragm ultrasound (n=12), pulmonary function test (n=10), muscle function test (n=6) and neurophysiology (n=5), investigating phrenic nerve function. Ultrasound demonstrated reduced/paradoxical diaphragmatic movements in eight; four of eight had reduced thickening fraction. Neurophysiology peripheral limb studies did not support the differential diagnoses of critical illness neuropathy/myopathy. We propose that, in selected patients, COVID-19 may cause phrenic nerve mononeuritis.},
journal = {Thorax},
publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-218257},
}
