Which complication is frequently associated with pulmonary interstitial emphysema?

Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) occurs primarily in infants who are mechanically ventilated, especially those with respiratory distress syndrome or other conditions that require positive pressure ventilation. This condition is characterized by air leaking into the interstitial spaces of the lungs, which is often the result of excessive pressure from mechanical ventilation.

Barotrauma is the correct answer because it directly relates to the phenomenon of gas being forced into the lung interstitium due to high ventilatory pressures or peak inspiratory pressures, leading to ruptured alveoli and subsequent air leak. In the context of PIE, barotrauma can exacerbate the condition, making it a key complication associated with this diagnosis.

Understanding barotrauma’s direct connection to the mechanisms of pulmonary interstitial emphysema highlights the importance of careful ventilation strategies to avoid overly aggressive pressures, thus mitigating the risk of developing PIE in vulnerable neonatal populations.