Objectives: To assess morphological and functional aspects of the diaphragm by ultrasonography (US) in adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and evaluate if the diaphragmatic musculature can play a role in changes found in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of these patients.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational and single-center study involving 40 adults with SCA who underwent diaphragm US and PFTs with a maximum of 1 month between the two tests. Diaphragm US was performed in B and M modes, and echogenicity, thickness and movement of the muscle was assessed in different respiratory maneuvers.
Results: Diaphragms had preserved echogenicity and the thickness was not significantly different between the groups. The SCA group exhibited significantly higher movement of the right hemidiaphragm during deep breathing (p = 0.004) and the sniff test (p = 0.0008) and lower movement of the left hemidiaphragm during quiet breathing (p = 0.009). There was a predominance of restrictive pattern (65%) and a global reduction in respiratory muscle strength (RMS) (70%).
Conclusions: This study shows that adults with SCA had normal morphostructural aspects and absence of diaphragm dysfunction. Otherwise, they presented greater movement of the right hemidiaphragm during deep breathing and sniff test maneuvers. Despite the restrictive pattern and the reduction in RMS found in PFTs, the diaphragm of young adults with SCA did not have weakness or paralysis.
Keywords: Sickle cell anemia; diaphragm; pulmonary function tests; respiratory muscles; ultrasound.