Case Report: From diagnosis to therapy: a lung ultrasound-driven precision strategy for neonatal atelectasis management.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in the individualized management of neonatal atelectasis and assess its effectiveness in directing condition-specific treatment strategies.

METHODS

Three neonatal atelectasis cases with differing causes, pneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhage, and meconium aspiration syndrome, were treated with LUS-guided, personalized interventions. These included ultrasound-directed airway clearance, selective bronchoalveolar lavage, and high-frequency chest wall oscillation.

RESULTS

LUS enabled continuous, real-time assessment of atelectasis severity and distinct pathological signs such as hepatization and the shred sign. This imaging guidance allowed targeted therapies that shortened hospitalization by an average of 40%. In all cases, lung re-expansion was achieved without adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Due to its lack of radiation, high sensitivity, and real-time feedback, LUS offers a valuable tool for guiding individualized, etiology-specific therapies in neonatal atelectasis. It presents a clinically adaptable approach for optimizing outcomes in this population.