Bilateral phrenic nerve paralysis after coronary artery bypass surgery in a 47-year-old
female patient is reported. This became evident on the 5th post-extubation day and
mimicked acute coronary syndrome and led to difficulty in diagnosis. The patient required
re-intubation and mechanical ventilation for only 6 days. The diagnosis of clinical
and radiological abnormalities suggestive of bilateral phrenic nerve dysfunction was
assisted by fluoroscopy, measurement of needle electromyography, and phrenic nerve
motor conduction studies. The patient was followed up postoperatively for 14 weeks
with complete regression of the neuropathy one month after surgery. An awareness of
this complication should lead to improved care and successful postoperative management
of patients.
Coronary bypass surgery - bilateral phrenic nerve palsy - needle electromyography
