Neuralgic Amyotrophy: A Rare Cause of Bilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis. Issue 2 (3rd April 1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shinder, Neil; Polson, Alasdair; Pringle, Elizabeth; O'Donnell, Denis E
• Is Part Of: Canadian respiratory journal. Volume 5:Issue 2(1998)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 1998-04-03
• Subjects: Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis -- Brachial neuritis -- Dyspnea -- Neuralgic amyotrophy -- Orthopnea; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Canada -- Periodicals; Respiration; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Canada; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1155/1998/926375
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1198-2241

Abstract

Abstract : Neuralgic amyotrophy, also known as brachial neuritis, is a well described clinical entity. Diaphragmatic dysfunction, as a result of phrenic nerve root involvement (cervical roots 3 to 5), is an uncommon, but increasingly recognized association. The case of a previously healthy 61-year-old woman who, after a prodrome of neck and shoulder discomfort, presented with severe orthopnea is described. Pulmonary function and electrophysiological studies led to a diagnosis of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. The patient's clinical course and the exclusion of other nerve entrapment syndromes and neurological disorders strongly favoured the diagnosis of neuralgic amyotrophy.