Ultrasound as Diagnostic Tool for Diaphragmatic Myoclonus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diaphragmatic myoclonus is a rare disorder of repetitive diaphragmatic contractions, acknowledged to be a spectrum that includes psychogenic features. Electromyography has been the diagnostic tool most commonly used in the literature.

Methods

To test if we could perform a noninvasive technique to delineate the diaphragm as the source of abnormal movements and demonstrate distractibility and entrainability, we used B-mode ultrasound in a patient with diaphragmatic myoclonus.

Results

Ultrasound imaging clearly delineated the diaphragm as the source of her abdominal movements. We were able to demonstrate entrainability of the diaphragm to hand tapping to a prescribed rhythm set by examiner.

Conclusion

We recommend the use of ultrasound as a noninvasive,

SUBMITTER: Llaneza Ramos VF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4941981 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature