Neonatal Respiratory Distress

Lung volume on a conventional chest radiograph is a key differentiating criterion for neonatal pulmonary diseases.

Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) is classically associated with decreased lung volumes and diffuse opacification.

In contrast, both meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) typically present with increased lung volumes (hyperinflation).

Combining lung volume assessment with the infant's gestational age helps guide the diagnosis.