Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in a diabetic patient: A rare cause of dyspnea

Sueda Soydan 1 ,Kübra Nur Bazna 1 ,Fatma Merve Erdoğdu 1 ,Levent Karataş 1 ,Murat Zinnuroğlu 1
1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye DOI : 10.5606/tftrd.2026.16813 Diaphragmatic paralysis is a rare cause of dyspnea, often resulting from trauma or neuropathic conditions. Although uncommon, diabetic neuropathy can involve the phrenic nerve. Herein, we presented a case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in a 62-year-old male with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diagnosis was confirmed by phrenic nerve conduction studies and dynamic ultrasonography. Elevated hemoglobin A1c was noted, with no other identifiable cause. Glycemic control was prioritized in management. This case highlights the importance of considering phrenic nerve involvement in diabetic patients with unexplained dyspnea and underscores ultrasonography`s diagnostic value in such cases. Keywords : Diabetes mellitus, diaphragmatic paralysis, dyspnea, electromyography, phrenic nerve, ultrasonography