Presentation
24 week preterm neonate with RDS.
Patient Data
Preterm neonate (24/40) with widespread alveolar and interstitial opacification and areas of collapse. Almost no aerated lung demonstrated lung. Features of RDS.
One day later, after a PDA ligation and chest drain insertion, there has been a significant change in appearance.
The lungs are hyperexpanded with persistent interstitial opacification.
Features here are the result of change in ventilator settings.
Slight reduction in lung volumes after a further change in ventilator settings.
Case Discussion
Case of severe RDS in a neonate. The three radiographs demonstrate how the ventilator settings can significantly change the appearance of the "classical" appearance of RDS on the initial film.
It is a reminder that while RDS should never be diagnosed when lung volumes are normal or high, if the neonate is ventilated, all bets are off!
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