Final answer:
Meconium aspiration syndrome can be observed on a chest X-ray as ground-glass opacities, atelectasis, and especially bilateral infiltrates which occur when a newborn inhales meconium and amniotic fluid, potentially leading to pneumonia and respiratory distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a condition that occurs when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs around the time of delivery. A chest X-ray (CXR) is often used to aid in the diagnosis of MAS. The common radiographic findings in cases of meconium aspiration syndrome on chest X-ray include ground-glass opacities, atelectasis, and notably, bilateral infiltrates. These appear as patchy or diffuse haziness on the CXR image. Due to meconium obstructing the airways and interacting with surfactant in the lungs, the affected newborn may show signs of respiratory distress, and a barrel-shaped chest can sometimes be noted. Moreover, the obstruction and subsequent inflammation can cause air trapping leading to hyperinflation. The lungs may also show areas of consolidation as meconium in the alveoli incites an inflammatory response.