Diaphragmatic flutter is a disease in which there are repeated involuntary contractions of the
diaphragm, the muscle that separates the heart and lungs from the abdomen. The abnormal flutter of the diaphragm affects the way the lungs can expand and contract during breathing.
[1] Symptoms of diaphragmatic flutter may include
difficulty breathing,
abdominal pain,
heart palpitations, and
chest pain. Symptoms usually worsen during the day and with stress.
[2] Diaphragmatic flutter often occurs in combination with contraction of other
muscles used to breath (
respiratory muscles).
[1]
The cause of diaphragmatic flutter is not well understood. It has been associated with many other medical issues, including inflammation of the brain (
encephalitis),
stroke, and
tumors of the spine and chest.
[1][2] The diagnosis of diaphragmatic flutter is suspected based on symptoms and may be confirmed by different methods of monitoring the movement of the diaphragm, such as
ultrasound.
[1][2] Treatment may include use of certain
anti-seizure medications and/or
antipsychotic medications.
[1][2][3] If medication is not successful, procedures to try to control the movement of the diaphragm (diaphragm pacer stimulation) or to stop movement of the diaphragm, such as damaging one of the two main nerves to the diaphragm (phrenic nerve crush), may also be used.
[2][3]
Last updated: 9/21/2018
