Radiology – Integrated Training Initiative (R-ITI) | Paediatrics | Neonatal Respiratory Distress: Complications

Neonatal Respiratory Distress: Surgical Conditions
Session Overview
Description
This session explores some of the imaging techniques used to identify surgical conditions in the neonatal chest.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the common causes of neonatal respiratory distress where surgery may be appropriate
• Differentiate these causes from 'medical' causes
• Recognise the importance of gestational age and time from birth on the interpretation of imaging investigations
• Develop a logical approach to further investigation following plain radiography

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session, you should have:

• Good knowledge of normal anatomy of neonatal chest
• Basic knowledge of clinical conditions presenting in neonates

Surgical causes of respiratory distress in the neonate are all much less common than medical ones but their imaging appearances are distinct. Since the care of most neonates is undertaken by medical paediatricians, it is vital for all involved to be able to diagnose the surgical problems with some confidence and know when it is appropriate to involve a surgeon.

This session will:

• Cover the more common 'surgical' causes of respiratory distress
• Emphasise the differentiating features
• Put forward a logical strategy for further imaging