Neonatal chest radiograph in the exam setting
Updates to Article Attributes
The neonatal chest radiograph in the exam setting may strike fear into the heart of many radiology registrars, but it need not!
There are only a limited number of diagnoses that will be presented on such films and they are often highlighted by the history.
Gestation
First of all, have a look to see if the neonate is premature or not - signs of prematurity being reduction in subcutaneous fat and the lack of humeral head ossification (the latter occurs around term).
When the chest radiograph also includes the abdomen, look out for the umbilical clip. TheseThese are plastic clips used to clamp the umbilicus before it is cut at birth. The umbilical stump remains in situ for approximately 1-2 weeks and its presence helps to age the baby.
Lines and tubes
In the unwell neonate, it is likely that they will have lines and tubes - itsit is usually worthwhile dealing with these first:
ET tube: estimate the distance from the carina - ensure it
'sis not down the right main bronchusNG tube: where is the tip? It
shouldn'tshould not be at or above the GOJ, but rather projected over the stomachUAC (umbilical arterial catheter): it
'sis the one that dips down into the pelvis and should have a tip above (T6-9) or below (L2-5) the renal arteries and unpaired aortic branchesUVC (umbilical venous catheter): it should enter at the level of the umbilicus and head north with its tip at the RA/IVC junction - not in the hepatic veins (right hand side) or portal vein (left hand side)
peripheral line (PICC): from arm, leg or scalp (!)
Many neonatal chest films have a rather enthusiastically caudal inferior border and umbilical lines can often be seen in full. For more information see the dedicated page on neonatal lines and tubes.
Diagnoses
Common things are common, and the commonest causes for respiratory distress in the immediate post-natalpostnatal period can be split into causes that present in the preterm or term infant.
Preterm
-
respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
ground
-glassglasslow volume lungs
Term
-
transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN)
interstitial lines with possible small effusions
pulmonary oedema in the neonate
usually associated with caesarian section delivery
-
bilateral patchy airspace shadowing
commonest cause of respiratory distress in a term/postdates neonate
large volume lungs
air trapping with possible pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum
small pleural effusions
If it's is not one of the big-3 3, then you need to look for other patterns (e.g. cystic change) or predisposing factors, e.g. ventilation.
Ventilated
Ventilation may be evident by the presence of an ET tube, but remember that CPAP can be used on the neonatal unit and be the cause of ventilated associated pathology without the presence of an ET tube.
-
describe the pneumothorax and explain that the apparent size of the pneumothorax
under-estimatesunderestimates the volume of free pleural gas because the infant is supinelook at the mediastinum and describe whether there is evidence of tension
-
pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE)
in the ventilated patient, gas lucencies extend to the edge of the film (i.e. they cannot be bronchi)
look for the associated pneumothorax
In both cases, say that you'll will contact the team to let them know.
Cystic changes
One cause of acute breathlessness in a neonatal patient is a mass within the hemithorax causing ipsilateral pulmonary hypoplasia/atelectasis and mediastinal shift.
-
congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)
gas locules in the hemithorax
indistinct hemidiaphragm
-
congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM)
-
multi-cysticmulticystic mass in the hemithorax
mass effect with
contra-lateralcontralateral mediastinal shift
-
Consolidation
Confluent areas of consolidation are not particularly common in neonates, they usually have ground-glass glass change or patchy opacification. While confluent consolidation is not common, it may appear in an exam film.
-
a bit of lung that has blood supply from the aorta and whose parenchyma
isn'tis not connected to the tracheobronchial treeit may be consolidated and fluid-filled or undergo cystic change
-
extra-lobarextralobar sequestration (the less common type) occurs in neonates
-
standard confluent consolidation
Other pathology
If you look at the film and you can'tcannot see anything, you need to start thinking laterally. What could they show you on a neonatal film?
-
distended pouch of gas in the upper mediastinum
if the examiner is being kind, it will have an NG tube looped in it
if there is gas in the stomach, there must be an accompanying congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula
-
fractures
birth related injury, e.g. clavicular fracture or shoulder/humerus injury
if the child is a little older, rib fractures in non-accidental injury
-<p>The <strong>neonatal chest radiograph in the exam setting</strong> may strike fear into the heart of many radiology registrars, but it need not!</p><p>There are only a limited number of diagnoses that will be presented on such films and they are often highlighted by the history.</p><h4>Gestation</h4><p>First of all, have a look to see if the neonate is premature or not - signs of prematurity being reduction in subcutaneous fat and the lack of humeral head ossification (the latter occurs around term).</p><p>When the chest radiograph also includes the abdomen, look out for the umbilical clip. These are plastic clips used to clamp the <a href="/articles/umbilicus">umbilicus</a> before it is cut at birth. The umbilical stump remains in situ for approximately 1-2 weeks and its presence helps to age the baby.</p><h4>Lines and tubes</h4><p>In the unwell neonate, it is likely that they will have lines and tubes - its usually worthwhile dealing with these first:</p><ul>-<li>-<strong>ET tube:</strong> estimate the distance from the carina - ensure it's not down the right main bronchus</li>-<li>-<strong>NG tube:</strong> where is the tip? It shouldn't be at or above the GOJ, but rather projected over the stomach</li>-<li>-<strong>UAC (umbilical arterial catheter):</strong> it's the one that dips down into the pelvis and should have a tip above (T6-9) or below (L2-5) the renal arteries and unpaired aortic branches</li>-<li>-<strong>UVC (umbilical venous catheter):</strong> it should enter at the level of the umbilicus and head north with its tip at the RA/IVC junction - not in the hepatic veins (right hand side) or portal vein (left hand side)</li>-<li>-<strong>peripheral line (PICC):</strong> from arm, leg or scalp (!)</li>-</ul><p>Many neonatal chest films have a rather enthusiastically caudal inferior border and umbilical lines can often be seen in full. For more information see the dedicated page on <a href="/articles/lines-and-tubes-neonatal-chest-radiograph">neonatal lines and tubes</a>.</p><h4>Diagnoses</h4><p>Common things are common, and the commonest causes for respiratory distress in the immediate post-natal period can be split into causes that present in the preterm or term infant.</p><h5>Preterm</h5><ul><li>-<a href="/articles/respiratory-distress-syndrome">respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)</a><ul>-<li>ground-glass</li>-<li>low volume lungs</li>- +<p>The <strong>neonatal chest radiograph in the exam setting</strong> may strike fear into the heart of many radiology registrars, but it need not!</p><p>There are only a limited number of diagnoses that will be presented on such films and they are often highlighted by the history.</p><h4>Gestation</h4><p>First of all, have a look to see if the neonate is premature or not - signs of prematurity being reduction in subcutaneous fat and the lack of humeral head ossification (the latter occurs around term).</p><p>When the chest radiograph also includes the abdomen, look out for the umbilical clip. These are plastic clips used to clamp the <a href="/articles/umbilicus">umbilicus</a> before it is cut at birth. The umbilical stump remains in situ for approximately 1-2 weeks and its presence helps to age the baby.</p><h4>Lines and tubes</h4><p>In the unwell neonate, it is likely that they will have lines and tubes - it is usually worthwhile dealing with these first:</p><ul>
- +<li><p><strong>ET tube:</strong> estimate the distance from the carina - ensure it is not down the right main bronchus</p></li>
- +<li><p><strong>NG tube:</strong> where is the tip? It should not be at or above the GOJ, but rather projected over the stomach</p></li>
- +<li><p><strong>UAC (umbilical arterial catheter):</strong> it is the one that dips down into the pelvis and should have a tip above (T6-9) or below (L2-5) the renal arteries and unpaired aortic branches</p></li>
- +<li><p><strong>UVC (umbilical venous catheter):</strong> it should enter at the level of the umbilicus and head north with its tip at the RA/IVC junction - not in the hepatic veins (right hand side) or portal vein (left hand side)</p></li>
- +<li><p><strong>peripheral line (PICC):</strong> from arm, leg or scalp (!)</p></li>
- +</ul><p>Many neonatal chest films have a rather enthusiastically caudal inferior border and umbilical lines can often be seen in full. For more information see the dedicated page on <a href="/articles/lines-and-tubes-neonatal-chest-radiograph">neonatal lines and tubes</a>.</p><h4>Diagnoses</h4><p>Common things are common, and the commonest causes for respiratory distress in the immediate postnatal period can be split into causes that present in the preterm or term infant.</p><h5>Preterm</h5><ul><li>
- +<p><a href="/articles/respiratory-distress-syndrome">respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>ground glass</p></li>
- +<li><p>low volume lungs</p></li>
-<a href="/articles/transient-tachypnoea-of-the-newborn-ttn">transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN)</a><ul>-<li>interstitial lines with possible small effusions</li>-<li>pulmonary oedema in the neonate</li>-<li>usually associated with caesarian section delivery</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/transient-tachypnoea-of-the-newborn-ttn">transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN)</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>interstitial lines with possible small effusions</p></li>
- +<li><p>pulmonary oedema in the neonate</p></li>
- +<li><p>usually associated with caesarian section delivery</p></li>
-<a href="/articles/meconium-aspiration">meconium aspiration</a><ul>-<li>bilateral patchy airspace shadowing</li>-<li>commonest cause of respiratory distress in a term/postdates neonate</li>-<li>large volume lungs</li>-<li>air trapping with possible pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum</li>-<li>small pleural effusions</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/meconium-aspiration">meconium aspiration</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>bilateral patchy airspace shadowing</p></li>
- +<li><p>commonest cause of respiratory distress in a term/postdates neonate</p></li>
- +<li><p>large volume lungs</p></li>
- +<li><p>air trapping with possible pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum</p></li>
- +<li><p>small pleural effusions</p></li>
-</ul><p>If it's not one of the big-3, then you need to look for other patterns (e.g. cystic change) or predisposing factors, e.g. ventilation.</p><h5>Ventilated</h5><p>Ventilation may be evident by the presence of an ET tube, but remember that CPAP can be used on the neonatal unit and be the cause of ventilated associated pathology without the presence of an ET tube.</p><ul>- +</ul><p>If it is not one of the big 3, then you need to look for other patterns (e.g. cystic change) or predisposing factors, e.g. ventilation.</p><h5>Ventilated</h5><p>Ventilation may be evident by the presence of an ET tube, but remember that CPAP can be used on the neonatal unit and be the cause of ventilated associated pathology without the presence of an ET tube.</p><ul>
-<a href="/articles/neonatal-pneumothorax">neonatal pneumothorax</a><ul>-<li>describe the pneumothorax and explain that the apparent size of the pneumothorax under-estimates the volume of free pleural gas because the infant is supine</li>-<li>look at the mediastinum and describe whether there is evidence of tension</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/neonatal-pneumothorax">neonatal pneumothorax</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>describe the pneumothorax and explain that the apparent size of the pneumothorax underestimates the volume of free pleural gas because the infant is supine</p></li>
- +<li><p>look at the mediastinum and describe whether there is evidence of tension</p></li>
-<a href="/articles/pulmonary-interstitial-emphysema-pie">pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE)</a><ul>-<li>in the ventilated patient, gas lucencies extend to the edge of the film (i.e. they cannot be bronchi)</li>-<li>look for the associated pneumothorax</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/pulmonary-interstitial-emphysema-pie">pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE)</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>in the ventilated patient, gas lucencies extend to the edge of the film (i.e. they cannot be bronchi)</p></li>
- +<li><p>look for the associated pneumothorax</p></li>
-</ul><p>In both cases, say that you'll contact the team to let them know.</p><h5>Cystic changes</h5><p>One cause of acute breathlessness in a neonatal patient is a mass within the hemithorax causing ipsilateral pulmonary hypoplasia/atelectasis and mediastinal shift.</p><ul>- +</ul><p>In both cases, say that you will contact the team to let them know.</p><h5>Cystic changes</h5><p>One cause of acute breathlessness in a neonatal patient is a mass within the hemithorax causing ipsilateral pulmonary hypoplasia/atelectasis and mediastinal shift.</p><ul>
-<a href="/articles/congenital-diaphragmatic-hernia-1">congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)</a><ul>-<li>gas locules in the hemithorax</li>-<li>indistinct hemidiaphragm</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/congenital-diaphragmatic-hernia-1">congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>gas locules in the hemithorax</p></li>
- +<li><p>indistinct hemidiaphragm</p></li>
-<a href="/articles/congenital-pulmonary-airway-malformation">congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM)</a><ul>-<li>multi-cystic mass in the hemithorax</li>-<li>mass effect with contra-lateral mediastinal shift</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/congenital-pulmonary-airway-malformation">congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM)</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>multicystic mass in the hemithorax</p></li>
- +<li><p>mass effect with contralateral mediastinal shift</p></li>
-</ul><h5>Consolidation</h5><p>Confluent areas of consolidation are not particularly common in neonates, they usually have ground-glass change or patchy opacification. While confluent consolidation is not common, it may appear in an exam film.</p><ul>- +</ul><h5>Consolidation</h5><p>Confluent areas of consolidation are not particularly common in neonates, they usually have ground glass change or patchy opacification. While confluent consolidation is not common, it may appear in an exam film.</p><ul>
-<a href="/articles/pulmonary-sequestration">pulmonary sequestration</a><ul>-<li>a bit of lung that has blood supply from the aorta and whose parenchyma isn't connected to the tracheobronchial tree</li>-<li>it may be consolidated and fluid-filled or undergo cystic change</li>-<li>extra-lobar sequestration (the less common type) occurs in neonates</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/pulmonary-sequestration">pulmonary sequestration</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>a bit of lung that has blood supply from the aorta and whose parenchyma is not connected to the tracheobronchial tree</p></li>
- +<li><p>it may be consolidated and fluid-filled or undergo cystic change</p></li>
- +<li><p>extralobar sequestration (the less common type) occurs in neonates</p></li>
-<a href="/articles/neonatal-pneumonia">neonatal pneumonia</a><ul><li>standard confluent consolidation</li></ul>- +<p><a href="/articles/neonatal-pneumonia">neonatal pneumonia</a></p>
- +<ul><li><p>standard confluent consolidation</p></li></ul>
-</ul><h5>Other pathology</h5><p>If you look at the film and you can't see anything, you need to start thinking laterally. What could they show you on a neonatal film?</p><ul>- +</ul><h5>Other pathology</h5><p>If you look at the film and you cannot see anything, you need to start thinking laterally. What could they show you on a neonatal film?</p><ul>
-<a href="/articles/oesophageal-atresia">oesophageal atresia</a><ul>-<li>distended pouch of gas in the upper mediastinum</li>-<li>if the examiner is being kind, it will have an NG tube looped in it</li>-<li>if there is gas in the stomach, there must be an accompanying <a href="/articles/congenital-tracheo-oesophageal-fistula">congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula</a>-</li>-<li>see <a href="/articles/oesophageal-atresia-in-the-exam">oesophageal atresia in the exam</a>-</li>- +<p><a href="/articles/oesophageal-atresia">oesophageal atresia</a></p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>distended pouch of gas in the upper mediastinum</p></li>
- +<li><p>if the examiner is being kind, it will have an NG tube looped in it</p></li>
- +<li><p>if there is gas in the stomach, there must be an accompanying <a href="/articles/congenital-tracheo-oesophageal-fistula">congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula</a></p></li>
- +<li><p>see <a href="/articles/oesophageal-atresia-in-the-exam">oesophageal atresia in the exam</a></p></li>
-<li>fractures<ul>-<li>birth related injury, e.g. clavicular fracture or shoulder/humerus injury</li>-<li>if the child is a little older, rib fractures in non-accidental injury</li>- +<li>
- +<p>fractures</p>
- +<ul>
- +<li><p>birth related injury, e.g. clavicular fracture or shoulder/humerus injury</p></li>
- +<li><p>if the child is a little older, rib fractures in non-accidental injury</p></li>