Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Oct 2002
Comparative StudyEffect of unilateral diaphragm paralysis on branch pulmonary artery flow.
Respiration is known to be a significant contributor to pulmonary flow in patients who have had Glenn or Fontan procedures. ⋯ In normal participants and patients with uncomplicated 2V repair, inspiration has little effect on PI in branch pulmonary arteries. In patients who have undergone uncomplicated Glenn/Fontan procedures, PI is less than that of normal participants and the effect of inspiration is approximately 5-fold greater. This significant effect of inspiration on pulmonary flow is lost on the affected side in patients with Glenn/Fontan connections and diaphragm paralysis, and is blunted on the affected side in patients with 2V repair and diaphragm paralysis. Loss of diaphragm function is associated with redistribution of pulmonary flow away from the affected side.