transillumination
Diagnostic technique using bright light to detect air collections or fluid in body cavities, commonly used to diagnose pneumothorax in neonates.
Full Definition
A rapid bedside diagnostic procedure where a high-intensity light source is placed directly against the chest wall to illuminate underlying structures. In neonates, transillumination is particularly valuable for detecting pneumothorax, as affected areas will appear hyperlucent due to air in the pleural space. The technique works well in very preterm infants due to their thin chest walls but becomes less reliable as infants grow and chest wall thickness increases. While useful for emergency assessment, definitive diagnosis still requires radiographic confirmation in most cases.
Usage
Usage note: Single word, not hyphenated; can be used as both noun and verb form.
In Context
- "Transillumination revealed increased lucency on the left side, suggesting pneumothorax." — Emergency assessment note
- "The NICU protocol requires transillumination for all infants with sudden respiratory deterioration." — Unit policy document