Computed tomography confirms a reduction in diaphragm thickness in mechanically ventilated patients

Abstract Purpose Patients who require mechanical ventilation (MV) may experience diaphragm atrophy, which may delay the discontinuation of MV. Here, we used computed tomographic (CT) scans to confirm this phenomenon. Method and Materials Patients who underwent two chest CT scans while on MV were retrospectively evaluated. Diaphragm thickness was measured using a three-dimensional CT image processing program. Results Thirteen patients, including 8 men, who underwent 26 CT scans were assessed. The mean age was 67.8 ± 7.5 years. The interval between CT scans was 18.4 ± 14.9 days. The first CT scans revealed that the mean thicknesses of the left and right sides of the diaphragm were 3.8 ± 0.6 and 3.9 ± 0.8 mm, respectively (total: 7.7 ± 1.4 mm). These values were significantly reduced to 3.4 ± 0.6 and 3.5 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, (total: 6.9 ± 1.5 mm) after the second scan ( P < .01). No significant change in body weight (57.3 ± 12.6 vs. 56.7 ± 11.6 kg) or body mass index (21.8 ± 5.1 vs. 21.6 ± 4.8 kg/m2 ) was observed. Conclusion Computed tomography confirmed that diaphragm thickness was reduced in critically ill patients who underwent MV.