air leak syndrome

air leak syndrome

A condition characterised by alveolar or airway rupture into the pulmonary interstitium, typically accompanied by escape of air into regional tissues, including the pleura, mediastinum, subcutaneous tissues or abdominal cavity; it is more common in children.
Aetiology
Overdistention of lungs, uneven ventilation, chemical injury, trauma, Valsalva manoeuvre, idiopathic (spontaneous).
Predisposing factors
Respiratory distress syndrome, immaturity of lungs, positive pressure ventilation, foetal distress/asphyxia, botched intubation, atelectasis, resuscitation, tracheal suctioning, pneumonia including aspiration pneumonia.