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Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Diagnostic dilemmas, course, management and prognosis of traumatic lung cysts in children
Nishith Kumar Jetley1, Ali H Al Assiry, Al Awadi S Dawood
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. nkjetly@hotmail.com
Insights
Traumatic lung cysts in pediatric patients are rare but treatable. Conservative management led to resolution in two young patients with multisystem injuries, confirmed by follow-up CT scans.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Multisystem trauma in children presents complex diagnostic and management challenges.
- Traumatic lung cysts are an uncommon consequence of blunt thoracic injury.
- Early identification and appropriate management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- Two pediatric patients (8 and 9 years old) sustained multisystem injuries following vehicular accidents.
- Case 1 presented with occipital bone fracture, lung contusions, pneumothorax, and left lung cysts.
- Case 2 exhibited liver contusions/lacerations and right lung cysts, with CT confirming cystic lesions.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) was instrumental in diagnosing lung cysts, particularly in Case 2.
- A traumatic diaphragmatic rupture was suspected in Case 1, necessitating exploratory laparotomy.
- Both patients with traumatic lung cysts were managed conservatively.
- Follow-up CT scans at 6 months demonstrated complete resolution of the lung cysts in both cases.
Implications:
- Conservative management is a viable and effective strategy for pediatric traumatic lung cysts.
- CT imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis and monitoring of these injuries.
- Multidisciplinary care is essential for managing pediatric multisystem trauma with associated thoracic injuries.
Abstract:
The patients were 8 and 9 years old respectively. Both were passengers in a vehicle and suffered multisystem injuries. Case no.1 suffered a fractured occipital bone, lung contusions and a small pneumothorax in addition to the traumatic lung cysts in the left lung. Case 2 sustained contused and lacerated liver and right lung cysts. CT examination showed cystic areas in the lung which were diagnostic in case 2. In case 1 a traumatic rupture of diaphragm could not be ruled out and the patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy to deal with the same. The lung cysts in both the patients were treated conservatively and both showed resolution in repeat CT scans done at 6 months.
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