Research Progress on Diaphragm Ultrasound in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2022 Apr;48(4):587-597. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.10.019. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease of the respiratory system, and its prevalence and mortality remain high. COPD results in continuous impairment of lung function, which severely affects the patient's work and life. In severe cases, there will be acute respiratory failure, which endangers the lives of patients, and respiratory muscle dysfunction is one of the main reasons for this result. As the diaphragm is the most important inspiratory muscle, its dysfunction has a great impact on the deterioration of respiratory function in COPD patients. With the development of ultrasound, more and more studies have found that diaphragm ultrasound can play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD patients. The main purpose of this article is to review the research progress on diaphragm ultrasound in COPD and briefly introduce diaphragmatic ultrasound examination methods.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Diaphragm ultrasound; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diaphragm* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiration
  • Thorax
  • Ultrasonography / methods