Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Ball valve obstruction of a bronchus causing lobar emphysema in a neonate
E Clubley1, R J England, C Cullinane
1Department of Paediatrics, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Huddersfield, UK.
Abstract:
Lobar emphysema in the neonate is usually congenital, resulting from cartilage deficiency causing bronchomalacia and distal air trapping. Acquired forms are usually associated with chronic lung disease or endobronchial obstruction such as mucus plugging. We report a pedunculated endobronchial polyp in a 2-month old ex-premature infant causing intermittent hyperinflation of the right middle lobe. The polyp was seen prolapsing in and out of the bronchus intermedius at bronchoscopy. Possible aetiological links with mechanical ventilation are discussed. We also emphasise the value of bronchoscopy prior to lobectomy in cases of congenital lobar emphysema (CLE).
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
