Hemodynamic effects of acute tension pneumothorax in a term newborn. A case report

Pneumothorax (PTX) occurs more frequently in the neonatal period than in any other period of life. Lung ultrasound (LU) is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment.

We describe the case of a term male newborn who developed a tension pneumothorax (tPTX). A quick echocardiographic assessment for post-processing measurements was performed, demonstrating right ventricular failure and elevation of pulmonary vascular resistances as seen in tension physiology, which resolved quickly after drainage.

The right ventricle easily handles varying amounts of preload, but it rapidly decompensates with an acute rise in afterload. LU cannot differentiate PTX from tPTX; however, echocardiographic assessment can.