Obstructive Urologic Malformations of the Fetus and Infant—Relation to Neonatal Pneumomediastinum and Pneumothorax (Air-Block)

Abstract

Nine cases of newborns with pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum are presented. In 7 this was associated with Severe fetal urologic malformations; oligohydramnios was sometimes noted and pulmonary hypoplasia Was severe. In 2 patients there was a lag of weeks to months between the neonatal respiratory distress and the detection of urologic problems. This may reflect mild pulmonary hypoplasia with survival. The possible association of oligohydramnios and urologic abnormalities of the fetus to neonatal respiratory distress is discussed. Early urologic evaluation is recommended when “unexplained” respiratory problems are noted at birth.