X-ray
Frontal
Is this child a term baby?
The lack of proximal humeral ossific nuclei and reduced subcutaneous fat mean this child is likely to be a preterm neonate.
Comment upon the placement of the lines and tubes.
The ET tube position is appropriate and above the carina. However, the UAC and UVC lines are too high: the UAC tip is projected over an arch vessel, probably the left common carotid and the UVC tip, at the level of T6 is in the right atrium.
Describe the appearance of the lungs - what is the likely diagnosis?
There is generalised, bilateral ground-glass opacification consistent with RDS (respiratory distress syndrome).
ET tube is above the carina. Both the UAC and UVC lines are too high, the UAC tip is projected over the left common carotid and the UVC tip at T6, over the right atrium.
The baby is preterm, as indicated by reduced subcutaneous fat and lack of humeral epiphysis ossification.
The lungs are of low volume with bilateral, generalised increased opacification, consistent with RDS.
Within the upper mediastinum is a prominent gas-filled structure in the midline. Features are of oesophageal atresia, but since there is gas in the stomach and small bowel, there must be a connection between the trachea and distal oesophagus.