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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Spontaneous neonatal pneumomediastinum with spinnaker-sail sign: A case report
Cláudia Ferreira Miguel1, Mariana Meneses Oliveira1, Teresa Torres2
1Serviço de Pediatria e Neonatologia, Unidade Local de Saúde de Gaia e Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Abstract:
Neonatal pneumomediastinum is defined by the presence of free air within the mediastinum, usually associated with risk factors such as prematurity, meconium aspiration or neonatal resuscitation. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare condition in newborns. Chest radiography is crucial to the diagnosis and may demonstrate typical patterns, including the Spinnaker-sail sign. We report the case of a term male newborn delivered by uncomplicated vaginal delivery with no need for resuscitation. On day 2 of life, muffled heart sounds prompted echocardiographic evaluation, which was limited by marked interposed gas. Chest radiography subsequently demonstrated pneumomediastinum with the characteristic Spinnaker-sail sign. The newborn was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for monitoring and received low-flow oxygen. He presented a benign clinical course with complete resolution of the air leak by day 7 of hospitalization. This case highlights the importance of careful physical examination and recognition of radiographic patterns of pneumomediastinum in neonates to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management.
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