radiological appearance of hyaline membrane disease
Last reviewed 08/2022
Aspirated surfactant can be used as a diagnostic tool. If the ratio of phospholipids, lecithin to sphingomyelin, is reduced within the surfactant e.g. less than 2, there is an increased likelihood of respiratory distress syndrome.
Radiography of the chest has two characteristic features:
- widespread minute reticulogranular densities - ground glass appearance
- air bronchogram