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Air embolism and pulmonary interstitial emphysema in a preterm infant with hyaline membrane disease
A Richter1, F K Tegtmeyer, J Möller
1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Medical University of Lübeck, FRG.
Insights
Severe hyaline membrane disease in a preterm infant led to pulmonary air leaks and systemic gas embolism. This rare complication caused fatal circulatory and respiratory failure despite extreme mechanical ventilation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Severe hyaline membrane disease (HMD) poses significant challenges in preterm infants.
- Mechanical ventilation, while life-saving, can lead to complications like pulmonary air leaks.
Abstract:
A preterm infant with severe hyaline membrane disease requiring extreme mechanical ventilation developed pulmonary air leaks with consecutive shock. The chest roentgenogram showed bilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema and gas within the heart silhouette as well as in the hepatic veins, inferior v. cava, portal vein, and many abdominal vessels. The respiratory and circulatory failure by massive systemic gas embolism resulted in death.