What does meconium aspiration look like on xray?
The asymmetric patchy lung opacities with increased lung volumes are classic findings of meconium aspiration, on chest radiograph, which often occur in term or post-term infants.
How is meconium aspiration syndrome diagnosed?
At birth, meconium can be seen in the amniotic fluid. The most accurate test to check for possible meconium aspiration involves looking for meconium staining on the vocal cords with a laryngoscope. Abnormal breath sounds, especially coarse, crackly sounds, are heard through a stethoscope.
What does meconium staining indicate?
Introduction. Presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid is seen in 12-16 % of deliveries [1]. In utero, passage of meconium may simply represent the normal gastrointestinal maturation or it may indicate an acute or chronic hypoxic event, thereby making it a warning sign of a foetal compromise.
What is meconium aspiration with respiratory symptoms?
Meconium aspiration syndrome is trouble breathing (respiratory distress) in a newborn who has breathed (aspirated) a dark green, sterile fecal material called meconium into the lungs before or around the time of birth. Even though fetuses do not eat, their intestines contain a sterile substance called meconium.
How is meconium aspiration syndrome diagnosed in babies?
Doctors base the diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome on the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid at the time of birth, respiratory distress, and abnormal chest x-ray results. Cultures of blood and material in the windpipe may be done to look for certain kinds of bacteria.
When do you need an echocardiogram for meconium aspiration?
Ultrasonography. An echocardiogram is needed in severe cases of meconium aspiration syndrome with prolonged respiratory distress to evaluate cardiac function in the setting of potential PPHN and congenital cardiovascular problems.
What causes patches of meconium on chest radiography?
In addition to obstruction of the airway, the aspiration leads to an inflammatory response in the lung parenchyma (chemical pneumonitis). It is this inflammation, not the meconium itself, that results in the patchy infiltrates seen on chest radiography (see the images below).
What are the effects of intrapartum meconium aspiration?
Intrapartum meconium aspiration can cause inflammatory pneumonitis and mechanical bronchial obstruction, causing a syndrome of respiratory distress.