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Diaphragm
Up Bones Diaphragm Heart & great vessels Invasive devices & lines Lungs Major airways Mediastinum Pleura

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The left and right diaphragm are usually seen as clearly outlined domes. The right diaphragm should be higher than left due to the position of the liver. The peripheral margins of the diaphragm are called the costophrenic angles or sulci.

Free gas under the diaphragm indicates bowel perforation. Note that this sign is only likely to be seen if an erect film is taken.

 

Text © Gavin Joynt, June 2005, Image © Charles Gomersall, June 2005


©Charles Gomersall, August, 2008 unless otherwise stated. The author, editor and The Chinese University of Hong Kong take no responsibility for any adverse event resulting from the use of this webpage.
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