paradoxical

paradoxical

different from what is expected; at variance with the established laws.

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paradoxical motion

see paradoxical respiration (below).

paradoxical respiration

a type of breathing in which all or part of a lung inflates during inspiration and balloons out during expiration; the opposite of normal chest motion. Called also paradoxical motion. The condition seriously inhibits the movement of gases during respiration and can produce severe and even fatal cardiovascular disturbances and respiratory insufficiency if not quickly relieved by emergency treatment.

Paradoxical respiration or paradoxical motion of the lung usually results from traumatic injury to the thorax (flail chest) in which several ribs are fractured in two or more places and are no longer attached by bony cartilage to the rest of the rib cage. The condition can also be seen following surgical removal of several ribs and in paralysis of the diaphragm.

paradoxical septal motion

in echocardiography, the interventricular septum moves away from the left ventricular free wall during systole. Normally, it would move towards the wall. It is seen in right ventricular hypertrophy.