Elevated diaphragm

Elevated diaphragm refers to the symmetrical elevation of both domes of the diaphragm.

Pathology

Etiology

There is some overlap with causes of an elevated hemidiaphragm.

Technical 

• supine position
• poor inspiratory effort

Patient factors

• obesity
• pregnancy

Diaphragmatic pathology

• paralysis (i.e. bilateral phrenic nerve palsy)
• pain following abdominal surgery

Pulmonic pathology

• diffuse pulmonary fibrosis
• lymphangitis carcinomatosa
• disseminated lupus erythematosus
• bilateral atelectasis

Abdominal pathology

• mass lesion
• massive ascites

See also

• elevated hemidiaphragm
• diaphragmatic dysfunction