Neonatal imaging: pulmonary interstitial emphysema: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Neonatal imaging: pulmonary interstitial emphysema

Sample item

A ventilated premature neonate with respiratory distress syndrome suddenly worsens. The chest radiograph shows tiny cystic and linear lucencies radiating from the hila through both lungs. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pulmonary interstitial emphysema

High ventilator pressures rupture alveoli and let air dissect into the interstitium along the bronchovascular bundles, producing linear and cystic lucencies. It often precedes pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum.

Option by option

  • A. Meconium aspiration

    Meconium aspiration gives patchy coarse opacities with hyperinflation in a term baby.

  • B. Transient tachypnoea of the newborn

    Transient tachypnoea shows fluid in the fissures and streaky perihilar markings.

  • C. Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (correct)

    Correct. Linear and cystic lucencies in a ventilated premature baby indicate interstitial emphysema.

  • D. Congenital lobar emphysema

    Congenital lobar emphysema is a single hyperinflated lobe.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Pulmonary interstitial emphysema. High ventilator pressures rupture alveoli and let air dissect into the interstitium along the bronchovascular bundles, producing linear and cystic lucencies.

Why is "Meconium aspiration" not the answer?

Meconium aspiration gives patchy coarse opacities with hyperinflation in a term baby.

Why is "Transient tachypnoea of the newborn" not the answer?

Transient tachypnoea shows fluid in the fissures and streaky perihilar markings.

Why is "Congenital lobar emphysema" not the answer?

Congenital lobar emphysema is a single hyperinflated lobe.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatal imaging: pulmonary interstitial emphysema in Radiology. It often precedes pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neonatal imaging: pulmonary interstitial emphysema?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.