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StatPearls, LLC

  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration
  • Respiratory Paralysis
  • Rupture, Spontaneous

Diaphragm Disorders

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped musculofibrous structure between the thoracic and abdominal cavities and is crucial for respiration as the primary muscle responsible for breathing. Disorders of the diaphragm, such as diaphragmatic paralysis, result from either muscle weakness or nerve damage. Clinical manifestations vary significantly based on the severity and whether the paralysis is unilateral or bilateral. Some patients may be asymptomatic, while others might depend on ventilators for breathing. Diaphragmatic paralysis can stem from various causes, including direct muscle weakness, phrenic nerve damage, or systemic diseases. Nontraumatic causes include congenital defects, spontaneous ruptures, infections, and conditions such as diaphragmatic hernias and eventration. Traumatic injuries, often due to blunt or penetrating trauma, can lead to significant morbidity and are frequently undiagnosed initially. Compression from tumors or other space-occupying lesions, neuropathic conditions, inflammatory diseases, and idiopathic origins also contribute to diaphragmatic dysfunction. Evaluation of diaphragm disorders involves imaging studies, pulmonary function tests, and electrophysiological studies. Depending on the persistence and severity of the condition, treatment strategies include noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation, surgical plication, and diaphragmatic pacing. This activity reviews early detection, appropriate evaluation, and available treatment approaches for diaphragmatic disorders. This activity also provides healthcare professionals with the necessary tools and skills to evaluate diaphragmatic disorders, perform the recommended evaluations, and implement an appropriate interprofessional management approach to improve patient outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 12 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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