Distinguishing cardiac from pulmonary problems in the neonate

Congenital heart disease is one of the most significant maladies affecting infants and young children. In most instances a congenital heart defect in the neonate is readily appreciated clinically. But in one group of infants, it may not be clear clinically whether pulmonary disease or cardiac disease is the major cause of the infant's distress. The radiologist is frequently called upon to make this distinction. The purpose of this paper is to present a plain film approach to the diagnosis of congenital heart disease in the neonate which may be of assistance in distinguishing cardiac from pulmonary problems.