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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
06:15
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Summary
Radiographs of infants with neonatal tetanus revealed no vertebral fractures but showed spinal changes and pulmonary infiltrates. Sedation effects likely caused gasless abdomen and air esophagograms in these critically ill newborns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal tetanus is a serious infection affecting newborns.
- Radiographic findings in neonatal tetanus are not well-documented.
- Understanding imaging findings can aid in diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the chest and abdominal radiographic findings in infants diagnosed with neonatal tetanus.
- To correlate imaging findings with clinical presentation and potential complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of chest and abdominal radiographs from 11 infants with confirmed neonatal tetanus.
- Analysis of spinal abnormalities, abdominal gas patterns, and pulmonary changes.
Main Results:
- No vertebral body fractures were identified.
- Narrowed intervertebral spaces and spinal curvatures were observed in some cases.
- Gasless abdomen (4/11) and air esophagograms (5/11) were noted, potentially due to sedation.
- Pulmonary infiltrates were common, likely from aspiration of gastric contents.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal tetanus can present with varied spinal and abdominal radiographic findings.
- Pulmonary infiltrates due to aspiration are a significant complication.
- Sedation may influence abdominal and esophageal gas patterns on radiographs.
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