A rare cause of air-leak syndrome in a premature newborn: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Pulmonary complications, such as airway leak syndrome, are common in preterm neonates; however, bronchial rupture is a rarely seen phenomenon. Case Presentation In this case, we present a preterm newborn who developed pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. The pneumothorax persisted, despite placement of a thorax tube, requiring a thoracotomy to detect and treat the bronchial rupture. Conclusion Physicians should have a high suspicion of bronchial rupture in patients with persistent air leak syndrome, even after thorax tube placement and continuous negative pressure implementation.

Keywords

• Air-leak syndrome
• Bronchial rupture
• Persistent pneumothorax
• Iatrogenic airway damage