The radiographic recognition of sternal retraction in infants.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-3-1982
Abstract
Sternal retraction is a common clinical sign of respiratory distress in premature infants. Frontal chest radiographs show increased, ill-defined central radiolucency over the lower chest which correlates well with a curvilinear indentation seen on lateral views. Misinterpretation as technical artefact or confusion with pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax or pneumopericardium should be avoided. Cardiac displacement in severe cases may stimulate cardiomegaly. Sternal retraction happens because of the poor expansion of non-compliant lungs and a relatively soft anterior chest wall which caves in under increased negative intrathoracic pressure. Illustrative cases are shown and discussed.
Volume
33
Issue
3
First Page
307
Last Page
311
ISSN
0009-9260
Published In/Presented At
Markowitz R. I. (1982). The radiographic recognition of sternal retraction in infants. Clinical radiology, 33(3), 307–311. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0009-9260(82)80272-9
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
7075136
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article