Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia (Oct 2024)

The role of extradiaphragmatic muscles’ ultrasound on the diagnosis and follow-up of diaphragmatic dysfunction associated with cervical septic arthritis: A case report and literature review

  • Alessandro Menozzi,
  • Giovanni Sabbatini,
  • Michele Umbrello,
  • Miriam Gotti,
  • Alessandra Salvioni,
  • Andrea Galimberti,
  • Angelo Pezzi,
  • Paolo Formenti

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/sja.sja_328_24
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 4
pp. 602 – 606

Abstract

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Cervical septic arthritis can lead to complications such as epidural abscess, which may result in respiratory failure. We present a case of a 78-year-old male with cervical septic arthritis complicated by epidural abscess, leading to severe diaphragm dysfunction. Ultrasound evaluation revealed dysfunction of the left hemidiaphragm and compensatory activation of accessory respiratory muscles. Treatment included antibiotic therapy and corticosteroids, alongside respiratory support. After 21 days, improvements were observed in diaphragmatic function and respiratory muscle activation. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing both diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles in cases of cervical septic arthritis with respiratory complications.

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