Congenital Lung Agenesis: Incidence and Outcome in the North of England

Unilateral Lung Agenesis: A Case Series and Review of Literature

Unilateral lung agenesis is a rare congenital abnormality that typically presents with respiratory distress after birth. Prognostic factors include the side of the lung affected along with the presence or absence of other congenital abnormalities. Prenatal imaging can make the diagnosis that can assist the healthcare team in preparing to care for the neonate, as well as set expectations for the family. In this case series, we describe three cases of unilateral lung agenesis, two infants with right lung agenesis, and one with the left. We describe their presentation, provide a brief clinical course, and discuss outcomes.

Left lung aplasia with patent ductus arteriosus in a term newborn baby: a case report

Pulmonary aplasia is a very rare congenital anomaly identified by the absence of lung parenchyma or vessels. This malformation mostly accompanies other anomalies, and chest computed tomography (CT) is a useful diagnostic tool. We present a rare case of left lung aplasia with patent ductus arteriosus and neonatal sepsis in a term newborn baby who had respiratory distress. The clinical features were observed during the first week of life, and the diagnosis of these anomalies was established by clinical, laboratory, chest x-ray, thoracic CT and echocardiographic findings. After the management of neonatal sepsis and patent ductus arteriosus, he was discharged from the hospital in good condition. Since the index case of lung aplasia was associated with congenital heart disease and had strong parental consanguinity, a genetic basis may have been involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary aplasia.

Late diagnosis of pulmonary agenesis

Pulmonary agenesis is defined as the complete absence of one or both lungs, including the bronchi, bronchioles, vasculature and lung parenchyma. Most of these malformations are detected in early childhood. A residual number remains asymptomatic and undiagnosed until adulthood. The clinical presentation is wide, ranging from asymptomatic to respiratory complaints like dyspnoea, respiratory distress and a history of recurrent lung infections. This case presents a 54-year-old woman with complaints of coughing, dyspnoea for medium exertion and wheezing for a couple of months. Based on the results of complementary diagnosis methods, right pulmonary agenesis was diagnosed without other malformations. Simultaneously, an asthma diagnosis was also performed. The treatment of pulmonary agenesis is symptomatic. Simultaneous cardiovascular malformations could require surgical interventions. This case demonstrates that pulmonary agenesis may remain undiagnosed, be identified incidentally, and have a good and long prognosis.

Unilateral opaque chest radiograph in paediatrics: A case series

Pulmonary underdevelopment is a rare congenital disease which manifests as persistent hemithorax opacification at chest radiography. We present three patients with different types of pulmonary underdevelopment, their imaging features and associated anomalies. Case 1 is a premature neonate with persistent respiratory distress. Further imaging confirmed right pulmonary hypoplasia, associated with a patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus and vertebral anomalies. Case 2 is a 6-year-old child with corrected anorectal malformation, and recurrent pneumonia. Further imaging confirmed left pulmonary aplasia, associated with an aberrant right subclavian artery and vertebral anomaly. Case 3 is a full term neonate who developed excessive drooling of saliva and respiratory distress. Further imaging confirmed right pulmonary agenesis, associated with an atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus and tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Pulmonary underdevelopment is classified into three types: hypoplasia, aplasia and agenesis. The majority of them have associated anomalies. This condition should be considered a differential diagnosis in paediatric patients with an opaque hemithorax on chest radiography.