Normal Diaphragm Measurements in the Saudi Population Using Posteroanterior Chest Radiograph

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish normal measurements of the hemidiaphragm widths and heights in the Saudi population by a posteroanterior (PA) chest X-ray in the Mecca Region. Methods and Results: The data were collected prospectively at King Abdulaziz Hospital in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, between March and April 2021, using a computed radiography imaging unit. A total of 45 patients (51.1% men and 48.9% women; the age range between 15 and 79 years) were included in the study. Measurements were obtained on an ideal PA chest radiograph by measuring the distance from the highest points of the right hemidiaphragm and left hemidiaphragm. The width from the right and left costophrenic angle was also measured as an ended point. The total diaphragm width (DW) was 278.32±24.83mm, the total right diaphragmatic dome height (RDDH) -51.30±10.58mm, and left diaphragmatic dome height (LDDH) - 38.40±9.21mm. The DW was greater in men than in women: 291.74±20.4mm and 264.28±21.2mm, respectively. RDDH and LDDH were also greater in men than in women: 55.4±6.77mm and 47.005±12.19mm, and 43.29±6.65mm and 33.28±8.83, respectively Conclusion: Computed radiography was useful in measuring the diaphragm because measurement points can be identified accurately and easily due to the availability of the processing system functions such as the ability to manipulate the image resolution, image contrast, and magnification.

Keywords

• diaphragm
• chest x-ray
• saudi population