[Diaphragm kinetics coupled with spirometry. M-mode ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic study; preliminary results].

Most techniques used so far for the evaluation of diaphragm kinetics are either invasive (electromyography, fluoroscopy), or indirect (respiratory pressures, impedance plethysmography). The aim of this study was to determine whether assessment with ultrasound or fluoroscopy differed, and which technique appeared more suitable in the investigation of quantitative hemidiaphragmatic displacement. Six patients (3 female, 3 male, aged 29 to 40) without respiratory disease were studied during systematic X-Ray chest examination, spirometry, and abdominal sonography.

Effect of hyperventilation on airway mucosal blood flow in normal subjects.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hyperventilation (40 L/min) with room air (25 degrees C; 70% relative humidity) and frigid air (-10 degrees C; 0% relative humidity) on airway mucosal blood flow (Qaw) in normal subjects (n = 7; 26 to 54 yr of age). Qaw was measured with the dimethyl ether uptake technique, which reflects blood flow in the mucosa of large airways corresponding to a 50-ml anatomic dead space segment extending distally from the trachea. Mean (+/- SE) baseline Qaw during quiet (room air) breathing was 6.

[Right diaphragmatic kinetics measured by TM-mode ultrasonography with concomitant spirometry in normal subjects and asthmatic patients. Preliminary results].

The purpose of this study was to assess the diaphragmatic excursion using the TM-mode ultrasonography with concomitant pneumotachography in eight normal and five asthmatic subjects before and after salbutamol. We report the results in normal and asthmatic patients of this procedure. Particular findings were demonstrated in asthma.

Sonographic lung surface evaluation in pulmonary sarcoidosis: preliminary results.

The value of sonography in lung diseases such as sarcoidosis is not established. Twelve patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and eight control subjects underwent a sonographic examination using a high frequency probe (7.5 MHz).

Tonic activity in inspiratory muscles and phrenic motoneurons by stimulation of vagal afferents.

In anesthetized rabbits, direct and integrated phrenic neurogram (Ephr) and electromyograms from the diaphragm (Edi) and intercostal (Eic) (2nd space) and transversus abdominis muscles (Etr) were simultaneously recorded in two protocols. 1) In animals breathing spontaneously, we used infinite inspiratory (RI) or expiratory (RE) resistive load and intravenous injections of carbachol, histamine, or phenyl diguanide (PDG). All circumstances except RE evoked tonic activities in Ephr, Edi, and Eic but never in Etr.