Pediatric Near Drowning

Etiology: Aspiration of either fresh water or sea water
Imaging: Spectrum depending on amount of water aspirated:
— Small amount: Normal
— Medium amount: Pulmonary edema with relatively quick resolution
— Large amount: Adult respiratory distress syndrome
DDX:
Complications: Aspiration pneumonia
Treatment:
Clinical:

Radiology Cases of Near Drowning

CXR of pulmonary edema from near drowning — CXR AP shows bilateral dense confluent infiltrates throughout the lungs.

CXR of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema due to near drowning — CXR AP shows bilateral perihilar infiltrates in a butterfly wing distribution.

CXR of pulmonary edema in near drowning — CXR AP shows a normal sized heart and bilateral perihilar interstitial infiltrates. There is also a dense opacity in the right upper lobe.