Diaphragmatic thickness (DT) related to MIP%pred and FVC%pred in DMD patients.

<p>DT at end-expiration (EE) (black circles), during maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) maneuvers (white circles) and at total lung capacity (TLC) (white diamonds). A) Single values of DT for all DMD patients. A linear correlation was found only for DT in the EE condition. B) Mean values ± standard error of DT of the three DMD aged groups (°: p<0.05 vs group <14 yrs old; ~: p<0.05 vs 14÷18yrs); C) Single values of DT for all DMD patients. A linear correlation was found only for DT in the TLC. D) Mean values ± standard error of DT of the three DMD aged groups (<b>°°°</b> p<0.001 vs group <14 yrs old).</p

Complete set of average values of diaphragmatic thickness (DT) in healthy and in DMD patients.

<p>Complete set of average values of diaphragmatic thickness (DT) in healthy and in DMD patients.</p

Diaphragm B-mode ultrasound and acquisition software front panel.

<p><b>(A)</b> Diaphragm thickness (DT) at maximal inspiratory pressure maneuver in supine position measured as the distance between pleural and peritoneal membranes of the diaphragm colored in red; (B) front panel of the Labview software for the synchronously recording of ultrasonographic images and flow and pressure signals.</p

Values of pressure during MIP and expiratory MEP maneuvers.

<p>Values of pressure during MIP and expiratory MEP maneuvers.</p

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients’ characteristics and pulmonary function test results.

<p>Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients’ characteristics and pulmonary function test results.</p

Average data of diaphragmatic thickness (DT) per overall groups.

<p>Values of DT are reported at end-expiration (EE) and end-inspiration (EI) during quiet breathing, at total lung capacity (TLC) during full inspirations and during maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressure manoeuvers in healthy controls (white bars) and DMD patients (black bars). (*,***: p<0.05, p<0.001 vs healthy controls).</p