Neonatal pneumothorax

Case contributed by Andrew Kirby
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Vacuum assisted delivery at term. Cried at birth but became dusky at 2 minutes of life. Required some positive end expiratory pressure and oxygen. Now on high flow in air

Patient Data

Age: 0 days
Gender: Male
x-ray

Small volume right pneumothorax visible at the periphery of the right lower zone. Subtle lucency at the medial right lung also. Further lucency at the left costophrenic angle is also suspicious for a small volume pneumothorax.

Case Discussion

These small pneumothoraces were treated conservatively and the baby was discharged home after a few days on oxygen. It is important to describe these subtle changes as it allows for good and prompt decision making, particularly if the patient condition deteriorates.

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