What is the diagnosis for a newborn with tachypnea and respiratory distress after birth indicated by hazy lung fields on CXR?

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In the case of a newborn presenting with tachypnea and respiratory distress immediately after birth, along with hazy lung fields seen on a chest X-ray, the diagnosis of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is most fitting. This condition is often associated with retained fetal fluid in the lungs, which typically occurs due to the transition from a fluid-filled environment in utero to air breathing at birth.

The characteristic hazy lung fields on the chest X-ray reflect this retained fluid, distinguishing it from respiratory distress syndrome, which generally features ground-glass opacities. TTN usually presents shortly after birth and resolves within a few days, supporting a diagnosis based on the timing and clinical presentation.

The other conditions listed could present with tachypnea and respiratory distress but would typically have different characteristics on imaging and a different clinical course. For example, respiratory distress syndrome, primarily seen in premature infants, presents with a more defined pattern on imaging and is directly linked to surfactant deficiency. Pneumonia would likely show localized opacities or infiltrates in the presence of more systemic signs. Meconium aspiration syndrome often leads to a different radiological appearance, such as hyperinflation or atelectasis, and is associated with the passage

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