Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the diaphragm thickening index (DTI) in diaphragmatic paralysis caused by interscalene brachial plexus block. Methods: Fifty-one patients, 27 males and 24 females, aged 18-64 years, BMI 18-30 kg/m2, ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ were selected for internal fixation or internal fixation of mid-humerus and radius fractures. All the patients received ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml. The patients were divided into two groups: the paralytic group (n = 11, DE≥25%) and the non-paralytic group (n = 40, DE<25%), based on the degree of diaphragm excursion (DE) during strenuous breathing. DE, end-inspiratory diaphragm thickness (DTei), end-expiratory diaphragm thickness (DTee), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), SpO2, sensory and motor block time, and recovery time were recorded before and 15 minutes after block, as well as fentanyl dosage. Adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, hoarse, headache, Horner syndrome, hypotension, and dyspnea occurred within 24 hours of administration were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to analyze the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI), threshold, sensitivity and specificity of DTI and FVC declines in the diagnosis of brachial plexus block induced acute diaphragmatic paralysis. Results: There was no significant difference in DE, DTI, FVC, FEV1, and SpO2 between the two groups. Compared with the non-paralytic group, DE and DTI of the paralytic group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the decrease range of DE and FVC was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the incidence of dyspnea was significantly increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in fentanyl dosage and other adverse reactions between the two groups. The AUC of DTI for the diagnosis of acute diaphragmatic paralysis after retardation was 0.973 (95% CI 0.927-1.000), while the threshold was 1.2, the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 95%. The AUC for diagnosis of acute diaphragmatic paralysis was 0.697(95% CI 0.534-0.860), while the threshold was 10%, the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 38%. Conclusion: Compared with forced vital capacity, diaphragmatic thickness index has a better diagnostic value in the diagnosis of acute diaphragmatic paralysis caused by brachial plexus block, and does not require preoperative baseline measurement. |