Congenital lung malformations : analysis of 27 cases

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital lung malformations (CLM) include a complex range of developmental abnormalities. Currently, most are diagnosed prenatally or during early childhood.

Objective: to investigate clinical and imaging findings of congenital lung malformations in

children.

Methods: Retrospective study of CLM diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 at the pediatric and neonatology department of Hedi Chaker Hospital. Analysis of clinical spectrum, diagnosis tools, and radiological appearances.

Results: Twenty seven cases of CLM have been investigated: 8 congenital lobar emphysema, 8 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, 8 pulmonary sequestrations, 2 bronchogenic cysts, and 1 hybrid lesion.

Five (18,5%) patients were diagnosed antenatally and 22 (81,4%) postnatally. Symptoms occurred at a mean age of 9 months: Respiratory distress (11 cases), wheezing (4 cases), and pneumonia (7 cases). Antenatal ultrasound features include echogenic masses within the chest (2cases), the presence of cysts (2cases), unilateral pleural effusion (1 case) and hydramnios (2cases). A computed tomography scan was performed in all patients with a radio-histological concordance of 96%.