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Utilization of ultrasound for the detection of pneumothorax in the neonatal special-care nursery

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Abstract

Pneumothorax is a potentially life-threatening condition in the setting of the neonatal special-care nursery (SCN) that may result in rapid deterioration and death. The familiar appearances associated with pneumothorax on AP supine chest radiograph are highly specific, but limited in sensitivity. In this case report, we describe the theory and technique of thoracic ultrasound for detection of pneumothorax in the SCN, providing a viable alternative to the cross-table lateral radiograph without ionising radiation, with highly accurate results, and with minimal patient positioning.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of Avash Singh, M.D. for providing additional clinical history.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Vancouver Health Sciences Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    David M. Liu, Kevin Forkheim, Kevin Rowan & Savvakis Nicolaou

  2. Department of Radiology, Children's and Women's Health Center of British Columbia, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    John B. Mawson

  3. Department of Radiology, J.P. Pavilion Room 3350, Vancouver General Hospital, 890 W. 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada

    David M. Liu

  4. Department of Surgery, Vancouver Health Science Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Andrew Kirkpatrick

Authors
  1. David M. Liu
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  2. Kevin Forkheim
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  3. Kevin Rowan
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  4. John B. Mawson
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  5. Andrew Kirkpatrick
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  6. Savvakis Nicolaou
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David M. Liu.

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Liu, D.M., Forkheim, K., Rowan, K. et al. Utilization of ultrasound for the detection of pneumothorax in the neonatal special-care nursery. Pediatr Radiol 33, 880–883 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-0964-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-003-0964-z

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