ICU/Surgery – Page 2

Case 19

ICU/Surgery, Lines/Tubes/Devices / Age <30, Enteric Tube, NAVA, Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist, PIE, Portable, Premature Neonate, Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema, RDS (Neonatal), Surfactant Deficiency Disorder

This radiograph is of a premature infant in the first week of life. The right lung demonstrates diffuse microatelectasis typical of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), also known as Surfactant Deficiency Disorder, caused by insufficient surfactant production in the setting of prematurity (typically <35 weeks gestation). The left lung is hyperinflated relative to the right lung, with diffuse linear lucencies radiating from the hilum. This appearance is typical for Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema (PIE), a condition secondary to barotrauma from ventilation seen in premature infants in the first weeks of life. An NG/OG tube terminates in the body of the stomach. A second tube, thicker and denser than the NG/OG, with multiple rounded lucencies along the distal aspect is also seen. This is a NAVA tube (Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist), which detects electrical activity of the diaphragm to improve synchrony with the ventilator.

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Case 16

ICU/Surgery, Lines/Tubes/Devices / Age >61, Aortic Valve Replacement, Atelectasis (Compressive/Passive), Endotracheal Tube, Enteric Tube, Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device, Loop Recorder, Malposition, Midline Sternotomy, Portable, Sternotomy, Watchman

This radiograph shows a malpositioned enteric tube which is looped in the oropharynx/hypopharynx and projects over the lower neck. There are a number of incidental findings including an appropriately positioned endotracheal tube, a loop recorder projecting over the left hemithorax, sternotomy wires with a prosthetic aortic valve, and a Watchman™ left atrial appendage occlusion device which is difficult to see on the default window and level. Linear subsegmental atelectasis is seen in the left lung base.

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Case 15

ICU/Surgery, Lines/Tubes/Devices / Age <30, Atelectasis (Lung), Bronchial Intubation, Endotracheal Tube, Enteric Tube, Malposition, Portable

This radiograph shows a malpositioned endotracheal tube in the right main bronchus with resultant atelectasis of the entire left lung. The heart is shifted toward the left side. This supports the diagnosis of atelectasis over a large pleural effusion, which would look similar except that the heart would shift to the contralateral side. An enteric tube is also seen entering the stomach and terminating inferiorly beyond the border of the study. EKG wires, bra clasps, and bra underwires are seen externally.

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