The role of imaging techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal pneumothorax: A comparative analysis of ultrasound and chest X-ray

While neonatal pneumothorax (NP) is uncommon, it presents a serious condition requiring immediate and precise diagnosis and treatment. To achieve this, dependence on imaging techniques is crucial for detecting gas accumulation within the infant's thoracic cavity. Traditionally, diagnosing NP relies heavily on Chest X-ray (CXR) examinations, involving ionizing radiation exposure, a persisting concern. Conversely, lung ultrasonography (LUS) has gained widespread recognition due to its convenience, expediency, and radiation -free attributes. The debate over whether LUS can completely replace traditional CXR remains contentious. Our objective is to conduct a thorough analysis of the efficacy of LUS and CXR examinations in diagnosing NP, with the intention of offering additional references for clinicians to optimize medical care for infants, minimizing radiation exposure and ensuring comprehensive protection of their health and safety.