Radiological evaluation of neonatal thoracic lesions in 118 neonates

Background: within 48 ? 72 hours, most common disorder that occurs in neonate is respiratory distress. Post natal respiratory distress is the most important indication for chest X-ray. Clinically it is very difficult to distinguish between pulmonary and extra pulmonary causes. Aim: To show the radiographic appearances of various causes of neonatal respiratory distress, and varied appearances of each pathology. Material and methods: This was a prospective observational study that was conducted in Dhiraj General Hospital. Antero-posterior chest radiograph in supine position of (118) neonates were taken, presented with a chief complaint of respiratory distress. Chest X-ray was taken with the help of portable X-ray machine in NICU department. Chest X-rays were taken on first day of admission and then follow up chest X-rays were taken. Results: The commonest cause of respiratory distress in neonates which presented with respiratory distress was transient tachypnoea of new born, which was (32.20%), followed by hyaline membrane disease (20.33%) , neonatal congenital pneumonia (16.94%), meconium aspiration syndrome (11.86%), cardiac causes (5.08%), trachea-oesophageal fistula (4.23%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (2.54%), aspiration pneumonia (2.54%), idiopathic persistent pulmonary hypertension (1.69%), eventration of diaphragm (1.69%) followed by pneumoperitonium (0.84%). Conclusion: Any sign of respiratory distress is an indication for roentgenogram of the chest which should be taken as early as possible.