A rare cause of respiratory distress in a newborn: case report

Campos García F.W.; Ugas Charcape C.F. · Acta Medica Peruana (2025) · DOI: 10.35663/amp.2025.423.3526

Resumen

Giant unilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema is an uncommon condition associated with a history of prematurity and exposure to high ventilatory settings. Its occurrence in a full-term newborn is rare, and describing its management provides valuable insight into safer and less complex therapeutic approaches. We present the case of a full-term neonate with a history of meconium aspiration syndrome and air leak syndrome. The diagnosis was established through characteristic tomographic imaging. The patient received conservative management consisting of selective endobronchial intubation of the healthy lung, which resulted in clinical and radiological improvement of the lesions. We recommend considering giant unilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema in the differential diagnosis of air leak syndrome in full-term neonates with a history of meconium aspiration syndrome, as well as selective endobronchial intubation as a safe and feasible management option.