What is the mechanism behind meconium aspiration, and how does it appear radiographically?
Perinatal hypoxia may lead to a deep gasping reflex and premature passage of meconium, which combine to cause aspiration. Meconium aspiration may cause lung hyperaeration (sometimes the sole radiographic appearance), scattered areas of atelectasis, and ropelike perihilar opacities with a coarse interstitial pattern.