Clinical History.—A 2-day-old full term boy was transferred to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles because of respiratory distress. Prenatal and birth histories were unremarkable. He was active and breathed spontaneously at birth. Respiratory distress was noted at approximately 24 hours of age and a roentgenogram of the chest was exposed which showed a mass in the right portion of the thorax.
Physical Examination.—Examination revealed a well developed and well nourished infant in mild respiratory distress. Vital signs were normal except for respiratory rate of 80 breaths per minute. There was slight perioral cyanosis, alar flaring, and chest retractions. The trachea was shifted to the left. Breath sounds were greatly diminished over the right where fine rales and wheezes were also heard. Results of the remainder of the physical examination were normal. Roentgenograms of the chest (Fig 1 and 2) were exposed and a thoracotomy was performed.
Denouement and Discussion