Abstract
In two subjects with a unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis and complaints of dyspnea, a completely different treatment approach was chosen despite similar anatomical and physiological abnormalities. These decisions were supported by the results generated by Functional Respiratory Imaging (FRI). FRI was able to generate functional information with respect to lobar ventilation and local drug deposition. In one subject, it was found that some lobes were poorly ventilated and drug deposition simulation showed that some regions were undertreated. This subject underwent a diaphragm plication to restore the ventilation. In the other subject, it was found that all lobes were still ventilated. A conservative approach with regular follow-up was chosen to wait for spontaneous recovery of the diaphragmatic function. Both subjects improved subjectively and objectively. These cases demonstrate how novel medical imaging techniques such as FRI can be used to personalize respiratory treatment in subjects with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.
- Diaphragmatic paralysis
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Ventilation
- Respiratory Drug Administration
- Computer-Assisted Decision Making
- Personalized Medicine
Footnotes
- Corresponding author information: Cedric Van Holsbeke, Groeningenlei 132, 2550, Kontich, Belgium, E-mail: cedric.vanholsbeke{at}fluidda.com
Conflict of interest: JDB and WDB are shareholders/board member of Fluidda nv, a company that commercialises some of the techniques used in this manuscript. CVH, WV and SV are employed by Fluidda nv. The other authors (GL, MG, PV, PP, PVS) have no conflict of interest relevant to this article.
Funding: Not applicable.
- Copyright © 2013 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.