[Air embolism as a rare occurrence of the air leakage complex in premature infants on artificial respiration].

A premature baby requiring mechanical respiratory aid because of severe IRDS developed an interstitial pulmonary emphysema and died of massive gas embolism. Air trapped in the pulmonary interstitium because of rupture of overinflated alveoli, penetrated into the pulmonary lymphatics and entered the venous system via the thoracic duct.