Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication in newborn who
require ventilatory therapy. The cumulative effects of oxygen exposure
and the trauma of positive pressure ventilation in the immature lung are
thought to be the primary causes [1]. Patients with BPD are cyanotic and
oxygen-dependent, and have respiratory distress [2]. The clinical diagnosis
of BPD is based on the facts that after 28 days of life there is a continuing
need for oxygen and chest radiographic abnormalities persist [1].
An orderly progression of BPD through the four stages as first described
by Northway and Rosan is uncommon [2,3]. Currently the severe cystic form
of BPD is quite unusual and seen mostly in infants born very prematurely.
Complications of BPD include tracheomalacia, tracheal stenosis, long-standing
atelectasis, and acquired lobar emphysema [1].
The findings of BPD on chest films vary, depending on the degree
of focal overaeration of the alveoli, the degree of associated interstitial
inflammatory change, and fibrosis [4,5]. These lead
to overaeration of the lungs, diffuse haziness of the lungs, irregular
infiltrates, streaks, or bubbles.
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.Figure 1. Note atelectasis of right upper
lobe, haziness in the left
lung, bubbles in the right lower lobe, and a metallic clip from
previous surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus.
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Figure 2. Note overaeration, haziness of the
left lung, and
acquired lobar emphysema of the right upper lobe.
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