Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Eventration of the diaphragm
Introduction
Overview
A disorder in which muscles of the diaphragm are replaced by fibroelastic tissue, causing all or part of the diaphragm to move upwards and impinge upon the thoracic cavity. This can interfere with the proper function of thoracic organs, particularly the lungs, resulting in respiratory distress.
Though weakened, the muscles of the diaphragm remain attached to the costal margin, differentiating this condition from a diaphragmatic hernia in which the muscles of the diaphragm and the costal margin are discontinuous at points.