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Published in: Pediatric Radiology 10/2003

01-10-2003 | Case Report

Spontaneous multiloculated multiseptated pneumomediastinum in a newborn baby: the spinnaker sail is rigged—CT features with pathologic correlation

Authors: Albert S. C. Low, Anne P. A. Tan-Kendrick, Mark Loh, Chan Hon Chui

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 10/2003

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Abstract

The CT appearance of a pathologically proven spontaneous multiloculated multiseptated pneumomediastinum in a newborn baby has not been reported in the English literature. Our baby was delivered vaginally at term and developed mild respiratory distress after birth. The antenatal history was unremarkable apart from borderline oligohydramnios. The multiple septa seen within the pneumomediastinum on CT on day 3 may simulate an underlying 'bubbly' lung lesion like congenital cystadenomatoid malformation or congenital lobar emphysema, but actually represent anatomically known fascia surrounding the thymus. Furthermore, in neonates, air in the mediastinum often loculates locally and tends not to dissect widely as in adults.
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Metadata
Title
Spontaneous multiloculated multiseptated pneumomediastinum in a newborn baby: the spinnaker sail is rigged—CT features with pathologic correlation
Authors
Albert S. C. Low
Anne P. A. Tan-Kendrick
Mark Loh
Chan Hon Chui
Publication date
01-10-2003
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Pediatric Radiology / Issue 10/2003
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-0970-1

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