Neonatal tachypnea caused by diaphragmatic paralysis: A case report.

BACKGROUND

Diaphragmatic paralysis is typically associated with phrenic nerve injury. Neonatal diaphragmatic paralysis diagnosis is easily missed because its manifestations are variable and usually nonspecific.

CASE SUMMARY: We report a 39-week-old newborn delivered via vaginal forceps who presented with tachypnea but without showing other birth-trauma-related manifestations. The infant was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. However, the newborn still exhibited tachypnea despite effective antibiotic treatment. Chest radiography revealed right diaphragmatic elevation. M-mode ultrasonography revealed decreased movement of the right diaphragm. The infant was subsequently diagnosed with diaphragmatic paralysis. After 4 weeks, tachypnea improved. Upon re-examination using M-mode ultrasonography, the difference in bilateral diaphragmatic muscle movement was smaller than before.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate use of M-mode ultrasound to quantify diaphragmatic excursions could facilitate timely diagnosis and provide objective evaluation.