Abstract: 　Objective　To study the clinical value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in the diagnosis of neonatal pneumothorax. Methods　The clinical data of a case of neonatal pneumothorax diagnosed by LUS in a newborn with sudden dyspnea and decreased oxygen saturation were retrospectively analyzed. Relevant literatures were reviewed. Results　A newborn was admitted to NICU with “groaning and anhelation for 30 minutes” and given nasal continuous positive airway pressure. LUS was performed 20 minutes after admission, suggesting pneumothorax. We discontinued nasal continuous positive airway pressure to a high-frequency oscillating ventilator. About 2 hours after admission, the infant's breathing difficulties increased, and the oxygen saturation decreased to 60%. Due to the delay of chest X ray, we examined the infant by LUS immediately, and found that pneumothorax was aggravated. Then LUS-guided emergency thoracic puncture was performed. The infant's condition improved significantly. Conclusions　Using LUS to diagnose neonatal pneumothorax is highly accurate, convenient, fast, and free of ionizing radiation. LUS should be an important imaging alternative for the diagnosis of neonatal pneumothorax.

Key words: 　lung ultrasound;　pneumothorax;　newborn