The American journal of roentgenology, radium therapy, and nuclear medicine
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Hypoxia, pulmonary edema, acidosis, and aspiration compose the syndrome of near drowning. A review of 20 cases of near drowning indicated that the initial chest roentgenogram bears little weight in assessing the present or future clinical status. ⋯ The composition of fluid aspirated does not affect the outcome. The results of this report suggest that patients with a history of near drowning should be followed closely for at least 48 hours despite an initial normal chest roentgenogram.