Perinatology.  2023 Jun;34(2):83-87. 10.14734/PN.2023.34.2.83.

Spontaneous Resolution of Multicystic Pul monary Pneumatocele in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant: A Case Report

• Lee SJ
• Um TW
• Son JS
• Park YM
• Park HW
• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2544099
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14734/PN.2023.34.2.83

Abstract

While pulmonary pneumatocele in neonates is uncommon, it can be observed in the neonatal inten sive care unit. Pulmonary pneumatocele in preterm infants can be caused by either ventilator-induced lung injury or complications due to pneumonia. There is still no consensus on the management of the lesion. Conservative treatment can be a treatment option if there are no complications. However, in some cases with mass effect or rupture, further management is needed. In this case report, we present an extremely low birth weight infant with multi-cystic pneumatocele at the left lower lobe caused by prolonged mechanical ventilator therapy. When the vital signs were unstable, we performed a percutaneous needle aspiration. Even after the intervention, the pneumatocele did not decrease in size. After we tried a variety of conservative management procedures, such as changing body positions and ventilator settings, the pneumatocele spontaneously resolved on the 65th day of life. The present case suggests that ventilator strategy and supportive care can be one of the option for management, even when the lesion is large and multi-cystic.

Keyword

Pneumatocele; Extremely low birth weight infant; Conservative treatment