Radiology – Integrated Training Initiative (R-ITI) | Paediatrics | Air Leaks in Children

Air leaks in children
Session overview
Description
The session looks at pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, air leaks in neonates, air leaks in older children and post-traumatic air leaks.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Analyse a paediatric chest x-ray (CXR) and identify air leaks on erect and supine radiographs
• Recognise a pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum on computed tomography (CT)
• Name important causes of air leaks in children
• Identify emergency situations
• Suggest further investigations to aid management
   

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should be able to:

• Interpret an adult CXR
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of radiograph interpretation in children

This session covers air leaks in children. We will first cover the different types of air leaks, then their causes and finally we will look at their radiological appearance.

There are many types of air leak. In general air leaks are divided into:

• Pneumothorax
• Pneumomediastinum
• Pneumopericardium
• Pneumoperitoneum
• Pulmonary interstitial emphysema