Elevated diaphragm

Bilateral

  • Supine position
  • Poor inspiration
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Abdominal distension – ascites, intestinal obstruction, abdominal mass
  • Diffuse pulmonary fibrosis
  • Lymphangitis carcinomatosa
  • Disseminated lupus erythematosus
  • Bilateral basal pulmonary emboli
  • Painful conditions after surgery
  • Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis

Unilateral

  • Posture – lateral decubitus position
  • Gaseous distension of stomach or colon
  • Dorsal scoliosis
  • Pulmonary hypoplasia
  • Pulmonary collapse
  • Phrenic nerve palsy
  • Eventration
  • Pneumonia or pleurisy
  • Pulmonary thromboembolism
  • Rib fracture and other painful conditions
  • Subphrenic infection
  • Subphrenic mass