Bilateral Diaphragmatic Contraction Synchronous with Cardiac Systole

ABNORMAL, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm are generally quite rapid and unrelated in rate or time of occurrence to the cardiac cycle. Rarely, however, the left leaf of the diaphragm has been reported to contract synchronously with the heart beat.1 2 3 4 Recently, we had the opportunity to study a patient who exhibited bilateral diaphragmatic contractions synchronous with cardiac systole, and since this condition has apparently not been reported previously, the case is described in detail in this report.Case ReportW.N. (N.H.I. 02–51–66), a 29-year-old man, was admitted to the National Heart Institute for evaluation of a heart murmur and abnormal . . .