Evaluation of diaphragm thickness and function with ultrasound technique and comparison with spirometry in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: Although the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of dyspnea and poor exercise tolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are complex, diaphragmatic dysfunction plays a significant role. The purpose of this study was to compare the diaphragm thicknesses and diaphragm excursion values measured by M-mode and B-mode ultrasonography with COPD patients and healthy volunteers and to evaluate the contribution of ultrasound use in determining disease severity in COPD.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-seven COPD patients and 53 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Diaphragm thickness and mobility measurements were conducted and recorded with B mode and M mode ultrasound.

Result: It was determined that the diaphragm thickness measured by B mode ultrasound in deep inspiration and deep expiration was significantly reduced in patients with COPD, compared to the ones without (p= 0.004, p= 0.00). Diaphragm excursion assessed by M mode ultrasound was significantly less in the COPD group.

Conclusions: In this study, we concluded that the patients with COPD develop diaphragmatic dysfunction with reduced diaphragm thickness and mobility. The use of ultrasound in COPD may contribute to clinical practice, yet further studies are needed.