https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2022.2406

Persistent unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in the course of Coronavirus Disease 2019 pneumonia: a case report

Vol. 93 No. 4 (2023)
Submitted: August 13, 2022
Accepted: November 16, 2022
Published: November 23, 2022
COVID-19, diaphragm, paralysis, pneumonia, ARDS
Abstract Views: 825
PDF: 178
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Authors

Elpida Skouvaklidou
elpidaskouvaklidou@hotmail.com
Respiratory Medicine Department and 1st COVID Department, 424 General Military Hospital (424 GMHT), Thessaloniki, Makedonia Central, Greece.
Ioannis Neofytou
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6574-1606
Respiratory Medicine Department and 1st COVID Department, 424 General Military Hospital (424 GMHT), Thessaloniki, Makedonia Central, Greece.
Maria Kipourou
Respiratory Medicine Department and 1st COVID Department, 424 General Military Hospital (424 GMHT), Thessaloniki, Makedonia Central, Greece.
Konstantinos Katsoulis
Respiratory Medicine Department, 424 General Military Hospital (424 GMHT), Thessaloniki, Makedonia Central, Greece.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 infections can cause a wide range of symptoms, particularly in the respiratory system. Diaphragmatic paralysis is a rare condition that is poorly documented in the literature. We present the case of a 38-year-old Caucasian male adult who developed unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis during the course of the disease. The patient presented to the Emergency Department with fever, cough, and dyspnea, was admitted, and was immediately fitted with a high flow nasal cannula. When his condition worsened eight days later, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and a tracheostomy was performed. A CT scan of the chest revealed significant left diaphragm elevation. On the 48th day, the patient gradually improved and was discharged. The paralysis of the diaphragm persisted three months later in the follow-up examination. This case illustrates a possible neuromuscular virus invasion that may have an impact on the patient's health after discharge.

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How to Cite

Skouvaklidou, Elpida, Ioannis Neofytou, Maria Kipourou, and Konstantinos Katsoulis. 2022. “Persistent Unilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis in the Course of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia: A Case Report”. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease 93 (4). https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2022.2406.
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