Point-of-care ultrasound in two neonates with congenital chylothorax and respiratory failure

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasound is useful for adult patients with respiratory symptoms; however, few reports have shown that lung ultrasound is useful in neonatal patients with respiratory failure. We report two neonates without previous perinatal problems presenting with respiratory failure, resulting in diagnosis of congenital chylothorax visualized by point-of-care ultrasound. An 18-day-old girl and an 8-day-old boy visited local hospitals for feeding difficulty and his mother's postpartum follow-up, respectively. They had respiratory failure and unilateral large pleural effusions that were detected by point-of-care ultrasound. The patients underwent chest drainage and milky pleural fluid was aspirated from their chest cavities. Point-of-care ultrasound for detecting pleural effusion is useful for neonates with respiratory failure. Caregivers of neonates with congenital chylothorax may not describe respiratory symptoms. Physicians should evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, even in neonates presenting with non-respiratory complaints.

Keywords

• Neonate
• Point-of-care ultrasound
• Congenital chylothorax