Traumatic retropharyngeal emphysema as a cause for severe respiratory distress in a newborn.
Traumatic injury to the pharynx or esophagus in a newborn from intubation or tube suctioning may have various presentations. Difficulty passing a gastric tube or feeding problems may erroneously suggest the diagnosis of esophageal atresia. Associated respiratory distress may be caused by pneumothorax or pleural effusion if the pleural space is entered. We report the case of a full-term newborn presenting with severe respiratory distress caused by a large retropharyngeal air collection resulting from hypopharyngeal perforation from prior intubation and suctioning. Chest abnormality, sufficient to account for the degree of respiratory distress, was not demonstrated.
Barlev
Dan M
DM
Division of Pediatric Radiology, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA. danb@webspan.net
Nagourney
Beth A
BA
Saintonge
Ronald
R
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004646:Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index