Diaphragm ultrasound examination for congenital diaphragmatic eventration in two premature neonates

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) is always diagnosed by fluoroscopic examination. However, this technique is inappropriate for premature neonates because of risks of transport, hypothermia and ionising radiation. Herein, we describe two cases of premature neonates suspected to have CDE on radiography. We could not perform fluoroscopic examination due to their prematurity status. Therefore, we performed ultrasound examination and succeeded in diagnosing CDE without any risks. Using ultrasound examination, we could evaluate movement and thickness of the diaphragm. We consider this additional information useful for CDE diagnosis. This is the first report on CDE diagnosis using ultrasound examination.