Massive air leak secondary to influenza B in a 7-year-old: A case report

Influenza is an illness that affects individuals of all ages but its severity varies immensely: from the symptoms of a common cold to the deadly outbreak of the pandemic H1N1 strain in 2009. This case report describes the circumstances surrounding the critical illness of a healthy 7-year-old child who developed a massive air leak syndrome secondary to influenza B. She required the emergent insertion of a chest tube as well as intubation and mechanical ventilation. She developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and was strongly considered for being placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research