A rare cause of respiratory distress in a newborn: Pneumomediastinum

Abstract

Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon cause of neonatal respiratory distress and occurs in approximately 2.5 per 1000 live births. Although, the most common cause of pneumomediastinum is an underlying lung disease, it can be seen in newborns who undergo resuscitation during delivery without a predisposing factor. Initial diagnosis by chest X-ray can be difficult in some cases. The “spinnaker-sail sign” is an uncommon radiological appearance of pneumomediastinum. Careful conservative management can result with spontaneous resolution without long-term sequelae. In this case report, we present a neonate who developed pneumomediastinum.