Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and outcome of diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients after heart or lung transplantation and to assess the value of bedside sonography for the detection of diaphragmatic dysfunction.
Methods: We prospectively evaluated 33 heart transplant recipients and 27 lung transplant recipients by use of sonography of the diaphragm and fluoroscopy.
Results: Diaphragmatic dysfunction, diagnosed with ultrasonography and confirmed with fluoroscopy, was present in four heart transplant recipients (12.1%) and two lung transplant recipients (7.4%) and such dysfunction led to a statistically significant higher incidence of pneumonia during hospitalization and a nonstatistically significant increased length of intubation compared with patients with normal diaphragmatic function.
Conclusion: Diaphragmatic dysfunction, which can be reliably diagnosed with bedside sonography, is common after heart and lung transplantation and seems to have a negative influence on patient recovery.