Phrenic nerve injury following blunt trauma

Phrenic nerve trauma in the absence of direct injury is unusual and may pre sent diagnostic difficulty. Diaphragmatic paralysis resulting hom phrenic n erve injury may closely mimic diaphragmatic rupture. This case highlights t he value of magnetic resonance imaging in establishing diaphragmatic integr ity and of ultrasonographic assessment during respiratory excursion in conf irming diaphragmatic paralysis. In cases of non-contact injury involving to rsional injury to the neck, an index of clinical awareness may help to esta blish the diagnosis of phrenic nerve trauma.