Decreased heart sound in a healthy newborn: Spontaneous multiseptated cystic pneumomediastinum with delayed respiratory distress

Abstract

A 3,530-gm male neonate was born by spontaneous vaginal delivery at 40 weeks gestation to a 30 years old gra- Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in the absence of predisposing risk factors has been rarely observed in full-term neonates. A 3-day-old neonate, delivered vaginally at term without any perinatal complications or signs of respiratory difficulty, was referred to the Seoul National University Children's Hospital because of reduced heart sound detected during routine neonatal examination. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed air collection in the anterior mediastinum. The baby developed respiratory distress on the fourth day and required supplemental oxygen. On the seventh day, there was no sign of respiratory difficulty, and x-ray examination showed no demonstrable pneumomediastinum. Hence, careful neonatal physical examination is essential during the postnatal assessment of newborns, and spontaneous pneumomediastinum should be considered when a healthy newborn presents with reduced heart sound. (Korean J Pediatr 2010;53:244-247)