Congenital parenchymatous malformations of the lung

'Hybrid' Bronchopulmonary Malformation - Lobar Emphysema and Extra Lobar Sequestration

Background: Idiopathic lobar emphysema (ILE) and bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) are two of the well-characterized pulmonary malformations. Case report: An antenatally detected case of a left bronchopulmonary malformation (BPM) was clinicoradiologically diagnosed to be a left upper lobar emphysema with isolated dextrocardia in the neonatal period. Besides the emphysematous left upper lobe, an accessory lobe akin to an extra lobar BPS was an operative surprise. Histopathological examination of both excised lobes led to a revised diagnosis of a 'hybrid' malformation comprising lobar emphysema and extra lobar BPS. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. Discussion/conclusion: The observations suggest that BPS and ILE may be interim entities in a continuum of abnormal embryogenesis. Such a hybrid malformation has not been hitherto reported.

Clinicopathological features of resected pediatric congenital lung and mediastinal lesions: A single institution experience

Objectives:

To evaluate resected congenital lung and mediastinal lesions among children and their characteristics in a single tertiary hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review analysis of all patients under 14 years of age who underwent congenital lung and mediastinal lesion resection in a single tertiary center from June 1997 to June 2018 was performed.

Results:

In total, 108 cases of resected lung and mediastinal lesions were performed from June 1997 to June 2018. Congenital lung and mediastinal lesions were found in 52 (48%) cases. Overall, 23 cases were males (44%) and 29 (56%) were females. The most common histopathology was congenital lobar emphysema.

Conclusion:

This study provides a 21-year review of the clinical and histopathological features of resected congenital lung and mediastinal lesions in a single center. Congenital lung and mediastinal lesions represented 48% of all resected lesions.

Alteration of cystic airway mesenchyme in congenital pulmonary airway malformation

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is the most common congenital lesion detected in the neonatal lung, which may lead to respiratory distress, infection, and pneumothorax. CPAM is thought to result from abnormal branching morphogenesis during fetal lung development, arising from different locations within the developing respiratory tract. However, the pathogenic mechanisms are unknown, and previous studies have focused on abnormalities in airway epithelial cells. We have analyzed 13 excised lung specimens from infants (age < 1 year) with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 CPAM, which is supposed to be derived from abnormal growth of intrapulmonary distal airways. By examining the mesenchymal components including smooth muscle cells, laminin, and elastin in airway and cystic walls using immunofluorescence staining, we found that the thickness and area of the smooth muscle layer underlining the airway cysts in these CPAM tissue sections were significantly decreased compared with those in bronchiolar walls of normal controls. Extracellular elastin fibers were also visually reduced or absent in airway cystic walls. In particular, a layer of elastin fibers seen in normal lung between airway epithelia and underlying smooth muscle cells was missing in type 2 CPAM samples. Thus, our data demonstrate for the first time that airway cystic lesions in type 2 CPAM occur not only in airway epithelial cells, but also in adjacent mesenchymal tissues, including airway smooth muscle cells and their extracellular protein products. This provides a new direction to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of CPAM pathogenesis in human.

Cystic and pseudocystic pulmonary malformations in children: Clinico-pathological correlation

Pulmonary malformations are rare disorders, with cystic and pseudocystic pulmonary malformations (CPPM) the most frequent, and constitute the first cause of lobectomy in children <1 year of age. Morphological overlap of congenital cystic pulmonary lesions might correspond to a spectrum of lesions in which bronchial atresia is a common etiopathogenetic mechanism. We aimed to report the frequency of CPPM resected in a tertiary-level hospital and to evaluate the degree of agreement between presurgical and anatomopathological diagnoses. We studied 44 surgical pieces with a diagnosis of CPPM received at the Pathology Service from 2009 to 2014, resected from 39 patients, 51.3 % males, with a median age of 16.8 months. Up to 69.2% of the patients had adenomatoid malformation of pulmonary airway (AMPA), with type 2 the most frequent (55.5%). Pulmonary sequestration was present in 15.4% of patients; in two cases the diagnosis was an incidental finding during surgery for the repair of a diaphragmatic hernia. Congenital lobar hyperinflation (CLH) occurred in 7.6% cases. Bronchogenic cyst (BC) was present in 7.6% cases. Presurgical and anatomopathological diagnoses in all patients coincided in 71.8% of cases. Kappa coefficient was 0.56 for global concordance in patients with AMPA, and 0.72, 0.64, 0.37 and 0.33 for CLH, BC, and types 1 and 2 AMPA, respectively. This relatively low interobserver agreement could reflect the low reproducibility of diagnoses used in the current nomenclature. Thus, the new nomenclature must be promoted in order to allow for better reproducibility and greater clinico-pathological concordance. The anatomopathological analysis must include the intentional search for bronchial atresia.

Emergency diagnosis and treatment of congenital lobar emphysema in a puppy

Congenital lobar emphysema is a rare condition in dogs. A three-month-old pug presented with acute dyspnoea and radiographic findings diagnosed congenital lobar emphysema. Due to the patient’s rapidly deteriorating ventilation, an emergency right middle lung lobectomy was performed and recovery was uneventful. This case report describes the importance of making a prompt and accurate diagnosis of this condition, based on radiographic findings, to facilitate immediate treatment.

The Use of Fetal Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of a Suspected Obstructive Lung Mass

Etiologies of fetal lung anomalies include congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), intra- or extralobar pulmonary sequestration, congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS), bronchogenic cyst, and bronchial atresia. Fetal tracheobronchoscopy has been reported both as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in the setting of severe congenital lung lesions. In this case report, prenatal imaging of a fetus with a large chest mass was suspicious for an obstructive bronchial lesion. The absence of visible normal lung tissue on the right side and mass effect on the left side raised the concern for pulmonary hypoplasia. After antenatal betamethasone and a period observation, hydropic changes developed. Fetal tracheobronchoscopy was then performed in an effort to identify and decompress the suspected obstructive bronchial lesion. Other than release of bronchial debris, no anatomical abnormalities were visualized. However, the right lung lesion and mediastinal shift both decreased after the fetal bronchoscopy. The newborn underwent postnatal resection of a CPAM Type II and is doing well. We hypothesize that fetal tracheobronchoscopy provided the following potential diagnostic and therapeutic benefits: (1) exclusion of an obstructive bronchial lesion; (2) disimpaction of bronchial debris from the saline lavage that we posit may have contributed to the rapid reduction in CPAM size.

Surgical versus conservative management of congenital pulmonary airway malformation in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The ideal management of infants born with asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing elective resection versus expectant management.

METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed for studies describing the management of asymptomatic CPAM and reporting on postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay (LOS). We performed meta-analyses when possible and provide a narrative summary of results.

RESULTS

One nonrandomized prospective and eight retrospective studies met our inclusion criteria. Out of 168 patients, 70 underwent surgery before symptoms developed with seven experiencing postoperative complications (10.0%); 63 developed symptoms while being managed expectantly and subsequently underwent surgery with 20 complications (31.8%). Thirty-five patients continued to be followed nonsurgically (three months to nine years of follow-up). Morbidity was higher with surgery after symptom development (6 studies; odds ratio 4.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40 to 15.11, P<0.01); there was no difference in LOS (3 studies; mean difference 4.96, 95% CI -1.75 to 11.67, P=0.15). There were no related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective resection of asymptomatic CPAM lesions is safe and prevents the risk of symptom development, which may result in a more complicated surgery and recovery.

The argument for a non-operative approach to asymptomatic lung lesions

The controversy surrounding the management of congenital lung malformations (CLMs) centre on how best to manage the increasing population of asymptomatic antenatally detected infants. Should elective surgery be offered? Or is a "watch-and-wait" policy safe? This will be addressed in this review by examining the reported complications of surgery, the risk of symptom development if lesions are left in situ and whether this may alter surgical outcomes, and importantly whether there is any long-term risk of malignancy that can be negated by surgical resection in infancy.

Intrauterine therapy for macrocystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung

OBJECTIVE

To report on our experiences with thoracoamniotic shunting and/or the injection of a sclerosing agent (OK-432) to treat fetuses diagnosed with macrocystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung.

METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken in six fetuses with macrocystic CCAM at our institute that had been confirmed by postnatal surgery between August 1999 and January 2012.

RESULTS

Six fetuses that had been diagnosed with macrocystic CCAM were analyzed. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 23.5 weeks (range, 19.5-31.0 weeks), and at the time of primary treatment was 24.0 weeks (range, 20.5-31.0 weeks). The mean size of the largest cyst at the initial assessment was 42.5±15 mm. Four fetuses were associated with mediastinal shifting, and one also showed fetal hydrops. All fetuses underwent a shunting procedure within the cysts, one case among them was also treated with OK-432. After the completion of all procedures, the mean size of the largest cyst was all decreased (14.2±12 mm). The median gestational age at delivery was 38.0 weeks (range, 32.4-40.3 weeks). All of the newborns underwent the surgical resection at a median age of 6 days (range, 1-136 days) and are currently doing well without any complications.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that intrauterine decompression therapy to manage fetal macrocystic CCAM is recommendable treatment for good perinatal outcome.

Protective effect of fetal pulmonary sequestration in two cases of postnatal manifestation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

We describe two cases of postnatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) combined with pulmonary sequestration, both of which were diagnosed as isolated pulmonary sequestration on prenatal ultrasound. In these cases, prenatal ultrasonography demonstrated only a hyperechoic mass on the left lower lung and the diaphragm seemed intact. In each case both lungs showed otherwise normal development throughout pregnancy. Pulmonary sequestration may serve as a 'protector', preventing herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. The co-occurrence of CDH may be obscured by a lung mass, especially on the left lower lung, and therefore it is necessary to deliver these infants at a tertiary center and parents should be counseled about the possibility of postnatal CDH.

Revisiting the histopathologic spectrum of congenital pulmonary developmental disorders

A retrospective analysis of lobectomy, pneumonectomy, cystectomy specimens (10 years) and stillbirth/neonatal autopsies (5 years) was carried out to analyze the histologic spectrum of congenital pulmonary developmental disorders/malformations. The autopsy data was analyzed to identify the lesions that are more diffuse and not amenable to surgical management. A total of 166 cases of pulmonary developmental disorders/ malformation were found. Out of 2,155 stillbirth/neonatal autopsies, there were 105 cases of pulmonary hypoplasia, 2 cases of congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis, 2 cases of extralobar sequestration, and 3 cases of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). Among the surgical specimens, there were 21 cases of CPAM, 11 cases of intralobar sequestration, 5 cases of congenital lobar emphysema and 17 cases of bronchogenic cyst. All these malformations have been described in reference to the latest updated classification of developmental disorders/malformations.

Open resections for congenital lung malformations

AIM

Pediatric lung resection is a relatively uncommon procedure that is usually performed for congenital lesions. In recent years, thoracoscopic resection has become increasingly popular, particularly for small peripheral lesions. The aim of this study was to review our experience with traditional open lung resection in order to evaluate the existing "gold standard."

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of all children having lung resection for congenital lesions at our institution between 1997 and 2004. Data were collected from analysis of case notes, operative records and clinical consultation. The mean follow-up was 37.95 months. The data were analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Forty-one children (13 F/28 M) underwent major lung resections during the study period. Their median age was 4.66 months (1 day-9 years). The resected lesions included 21 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations, 14 congenital lobar emphysema, four sequestrations and one bronchogenic cyst. Fifty percent of the lesions were diagnosed antenatally. Twenty-six patients had a complete lobectomy while 15 patients had parenchymal sparing resection of the lesion alone. Mean postoperative stay was 5.7 days. There have been no complications in any of the patients. All patients are currently alive, asymptomatic and well. None of the patients have any significant chest deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that open lung resection enables parenchymal sparing surgery, is versatile, has few complications and produces very good long-term results. It remains the "gold standard" against which minimally invasive techniques may be judged.

An Adult Case of Giant Bronchogenic Cyst Mimicking Tension Pneumothorax

Bronchogenic cysts are usually discovered only incidentally in the adult. A giant bronchogenic cyst in a 19-year-old woman presenting with pain and shortness of breath was mistaken for tension pneumothorax and initially treated with tube thoracostomy. Giant bullae were diagnosed by computed tomography. Bullae resection was undertaken, but the remaining lung tissue required pneumonectomy. Pathologic examination of the specimen confirmed bronchogenic cyst.

[Cystic pulmonary malformations: clinical and radiological polymorphism. A report on 30 cases]

OBJECTIVES

This report describes different clinical pictures of cystic pulmonary malformation (CPM) and problems in diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cases of CPM between 01 January 1994 and 31 December 2004 diagnosed in our institution were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-three cases of CPM were diagnosed in 30 children. They consisted of 17 boys and 13 girls ranging from 20 days to 16 years of age at the time of the diagnosis. The CPM included: 17 cases of congenital lobar emphysema (CLE), seven bronchogenic cysts (BC), five cystic adenomatoid malformations (CAM) and four pulmonary sequestrations (PS). Three patients presented two associated lung malformations. The mean ages at the time of diagnosis varied from 2 to 88 months. The symptoms consisted of respiratory distress (n=14, 46.6%); recurrent attacks of respiratory embarrassment (n=6, 20%); pulmonary infection (n=8, 26.6%) associated with haemoptysis in two cases; haemothorax (n=1) and a chance discovery (n=1). Radiological investigations led to the diagnosis in all cases of CLE and CAM although it contributed less to the diagnosis of BC and PS. Twenty-nine patients required chirurgical treatment involving lobectomy (n=22), pneumonectomy (n=2) and cystectomy (n=8). The histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis in all cases and rectified the preoperative diagnosis in four cases. Except for one patient with CLE, who died a few days after a lobectomy due to acute nosocomial pneumonia, the postoperative period was uneventful in 26 children with a mean of follow-up of 24 months (4 months to 7 years). Three patients developed transient and episodic attacks of dyspnoea.

CONCLUSION

CPM may be responsible for many clinical and radiological pictures that present difficulties in their diagnosis. Polymorphism is related to the type of malformation, its topography and the evolutive complications.

Respiratory disease of the bovine neonate

Respiratory disease is an important problem in bovine neonates. Early detection of clinical disease is challenging. In the newborn calf, mucous membrane color, character and frequency of the respiratory effort, thoracic auscultation, and ability to oxygenate are critical elements of the examination to determine whether or not respiratory disease is present. Within a few days of birth, screening calves for fever, abnormal nasal or ocular discharge, or an inducible cough finds many calves with early respiratory disease. This article describes respiratory conditions in newborn calves that veterinarians are most likely to encounter, along with diagnostic and treatment options that can be applied to both herd investigations and individual animals.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the postnatal management of congenital cystic lung lesions

BACKGROUND

Antenatally detected asymptomatic congenital cystic lung lesions may be managed conservatively or by surgical resection. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the risks of elective surgery, emergency surgery, and observation.

METHODS

All series published between 1996 and 2008, where the postnatal management of congenital cystic lung lesions was described, were reviewed. A meta-analysis was performed to determine whether elective or emergency surgery was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 41 reports describing 1070 patients (of whom 79% were antenatally detected). Five hundred five neonates survived without surgery into infancy, of whom only 16 (3.2%) became symptomatic. For all ages, elective surgery was associated with significantly less complications than emergency surgery. The risk ratio was 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.4-5.5; P < .005) when comparing complications after elective surgery with emergency surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of asymptomatic cases developing symptoms is small. However, elective surgery is associated with a better outcome than emergency surgery. If elective surgery is undertaken, it should be performed before 10 months. Although no prognostic indicators have so far been identified in the literature, a conservative approach may be appropriate for small lesions.

Pulmonary cysts in early childhood and the risk of malignancy

Surgery for congenital and early childhood lung cysts is often dictated by symptoms such as respiratory distress, infection or pneumothorax. Asymptomatic cysts present a therapeutic dilemma: surgical intervention and "conservative" observation have advocates. The risk of malignancy in such cysts is considered by some an indication for surgical intervention and is reviewed in this paper. Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most frequent malignancy associated with childhood lung cysts. Although rare, PPB occurs predictably in certain clinical and familial situations. This unique biology of PPB can inform the cyst management decision. The earliest manifestation of PPB is a malignant lung cyst in young children, clinically and radiographically indistinguishable from benign congenital lung cysts. Histopathologic examination differentiates cystic PPB from the benign cystic variants. Surgical excision of cystic PPB (with or without chemotherapy) cures approximately 85-90% of children. If not excised, cystic PPB evolves to cystic/solid or solid high-grade sarcoma (cure rate 45-60%) by age 2-6 years. Numerous reports of "malignancy in a congenital lung cyst" are now understood as the characteristic progression of cystic PPB. PPB is genetically determined in many cases. Detailed family history may reveal the hallmarks of PPB in the patient or young relatives: a unique constellation of diseases including lung cysts, cystic nephroma, childhood cancers, stromal sex-chord ovarian tumors, seminomas or dysgerminomas, intestinal polyps, thyroid hyperplasias, and hamartomas. Pneumothorax and multifocal/bilateral lung cysts also characterize PPB. These diagnoses predict that a lung cyst is more likely PPB than a benign congenital cyst. Patients fitting this pattern deserve histologic diagnosis. The genetic basis for this heritable syndrome is unknown but is being actively investigated.

Congenital lobar emphysema: differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach

BACKGROUND

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare anomaly of lung development that usually presents in the neonatal period with respirator distress and pulmonary lobar hyperinflation. It is commonly confused with pneumothorax. The aim of the present paper was to review the authors' experience in order to emphasize the importance of differential diagnosis with pneumothorax.

METHODS

Children with CLE treatment at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Dicle University School of Medicine, Turkey, between January 1993 and June 2004, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Ten children consisting of six boys and four girls (age range, 6 h-12 months) had CLE. Major presenting symptoms were tachypnea(n = 100%) and respiratory distress in (n = 80%). On chest radiograph, emphysema was seen in all patients, and shift-herniation to the opposite lung, atelectasis were observed. Computed tomography was performed in all patients, which indicated emphysema in the affected lobes in all cases. Pulmonary perfusion scan was performed in two patients, showing loss of perfusion in the affected lobe. The most common affected lobe was the left upper lobe (50%). In the present series, three patients were mistakenly diagnosed as pneumothorax and intercostal drains were inserted in the emergency department. Eight patients underwent lobectomy, and postoperative course was uneventful. Two patients were followed conservatively. Emphysema was detected in all pathological specimens. One patient was lost to follow up. Mean follow-up duration of all patients was 26.8 +/- 29.24 months (range, 1-89 months).

CONCLUSIONS

CLE is established on combined clinical, radiological and scintigraphic imaging. Surgical excision of the affected lobe is the appropriate treatment. Particularly, differential diagnosis should be made between CLE and pneumothorax.

Cystic lung disease

Cystic lung disease is divided into congenital and acquired lesions. Congenital cystic lung disease includes several malformations with distinct anatomical and histological features. There is significant overlap between these lesions to suggest a common pathologic mechanism for their occurrence. Congenital cystic lung lesions include cystic adenomatoid malformations, pulmonary sequestrations, congenital lobar emphysema, and peripheral bronchogenic cysts. These lesions are commonly diagnosed prenatally with high accuracy. Prenatal imaging has allowed us to better understand their natural history and devise strategies for prenatal and postnatal management. Some lesions warrant resection (even prenatally), whereas others can be managed expectantly.

Fetal laryngoscopy and lung biopsy in a case of bilateral lethal congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung

A case of prenatal diagnosis of bilateral congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM) is presented. The differential diagnosis among CCAM, pulmonary sequestration, bronchial obstruction, and laryngeal atresia is discussed. The role of diagnostic fetoscopy and fetal lung biopsy as an adjunct to ultrasound is addressed.

Lung resections in children for congenital and acquired lesions

We reviewed a single-center experience of pediatric lung resections for various congenital and acquired benign lung conditions. Thirty-five children underwent lung resections between 1998 and 2006, their age ranging from 8 days to 12 years (mean 3 years), with a male:female ratio of 4:1. Twelve patients were neonates. Antenatal diagnosis was available in only one patient. The presenting symptoms were respiratory distress and respiratory tract infections. Imaging with chest X-ray with/without a CT scan picked up the lesion in all cases. Preoperative ventilation was required for five patients. One patient had pneumothorax at presentation; however, ten patients had inadvertent intercostal tube insertion before surgical referral. The surgical procedures performed included lobectomy (28), segmentectomy (3), and pneumonectomy in 4 cases. Twenty-one patients underwent emergency surgery. Six patients required postoperative ventilation. The histopathological diagnosis was congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) (9), congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) (9), bronchiectasis (9), sequestration (3), atelectasis (1), lung abscess (1), unilobar tuberculosis (1), hydatid cyst (1), and foreign body with collapse (1). There was considerable discrepancy between the preoperative diagnosis based on imaging and the postoperative histopathological diagnosis. Postoperative complications included atelectasis (2), pneumothorax (2) and fluid collection (4 cases). Three patients died, one from compromised cardiac function, one from overwhelming sepsis and one from respiratory failure due to severe bilateral CCAM; the rest of the patients made a satisfactory recovery. At short-term follow-up all patients were doing well. Pulmonary resections are necessary for various congenital and acquired lung lesions in children and can be done safely in a pediatric hospital setup. Proper preoperative diagnosis can avoid inadvertent intercostal tube insertion in patients with congenital cystic lung lesions. The histopathological diagnosis often differs from the radiological diagnosis. Emergency lobectomies for acute respiratory distress, even in neonates, result in a satisfactory outcome.

Congenital lung malformations in the second trimester: prenatal ultrasound diagnosis and pathologic findings

PURPOSE

To correlate prenatal sonographic diagnosis of cystic lung malformations with fetopathologic findings after termination of pregnancy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 16 terminated cases in which a cystic lung lesion was diagnosed pre- or postnatally.

RESULTS

On average, prenatal diagnosis was established on the 21(st) gestational week (range, 19-26 weeks). The cause of termination was severe polyhydramnios in 4 cases, nonimmune fetal hydrops in 4 cases, other congenital malformation in 5 cases (renal malformation, 2 cases; congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 3 cases), and obstetrical conditions (intrauterine death, placental abruption, spontaneous abortion) in 3 cases. In 11 cases, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) was the presumptive prenatal diagnosis. Autopsy confirmed the prenatal diagnosis in 6 of them, while in the other 5 cases, an enteric cyst, a laryngeal atresia, an unidentified tumor, a pulmonary hypoplasia, and an extralobar pulmonary sequestration were found on histologic examination. On the other hand, the autopsy revealed CCAM in those 5 cases in which other malformations were suggested prenatally.

CONCLUSION

The prenatal sonographic diagnosis of CCAM is difficult. Our cases emphasize the important role of fetopathology even today in the verification of prenatal diagnosis based on sonographic examinations.

Congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformations: concepts and controversies

This article addresses the scope, etiology, important associations and imaging features of congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Etiologic concepts, including airway obstruction and vascular anomalies, are highlighted. Technical imaging advances, especially CT and MR, have greatly enhanced our diagnostic abilities in evaluating these lesions; however, thorough and careful assessment of all aspects of the malformation is still necessary. Several specific lesions are discussed in more detail, particularly regarding controversial issues in classification, understanding, imaging and management.

[Fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnostics in cases of congenital cystadenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM)]

Despite advancing therapeutic strategies, congenital cystadenomatoid malformation of the fetal lung is still a potentially life-threatening anomaly. Antenatally, the development of hydrops as well as the natural history of the malformation is of particular therapeutic and prognostic importance. Postnatally, respiratory distress due to pulmonary hypoplasia counts as a crucial limiting factor. Owing to its feasibility and practicability, as well as a high sensitivity, antenatal ultrasound is still the screening method of choice for the detection of fetal thoracic malformations. However, particularly in cases of indistinguishable sonographic findings, fetal MRI is the modality of choice for proving the diagnosis and preliminary appraisal of intensive care therapy and extracorporal membrane oxygenation postnatally. Furthermore, fetal MRI often facilitates assessment and planning of intrauterine surgical procedures. These two features frequently require a close transfer to an expert neonatal centre.

[Abundant hemothorax revealing extralobular pulmonary sequestration]

Hemothorax is an exceptional, serious and misleading manifestation of extralobular sequestration. We report the case of a 15-year-old patient who consulted for chest pain and sudden onset dyspnea. The chest x-ray revealed fluid pleural effusion. Pleural puncture produced a bloody fluid and the angioscan showed a hyperdense formation without a systemic artery. Thoracotomy was performed. A left intrapleural pyramidal formation vascularized with a pedicle from the thoracic aorta was identified and sequestrectomy performed. At two years, the patient has remained symptom free. Extralobular sequestration is an exceptional cause of hemothorax. The absence of an aberrant systemic vessel on the angioscan should not rule out the diagnosis of sequestration. Precautions must be taken at surgery to avoid vessel damage.

[Diagnosis and treatment of congenital bronchopulmonary malformations. A review of 32 cases]

OBJECTIVES

Analysis of our experience and propositions on the diagnosis and treatment of congenital bronchopulmonary malformations (BPM).

POPULATION AND METHODS

Retrospective study of BPM diagnosed between 1997 and 2001. Analysis of clinical spectrum, diagnosis tools, treatment, and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases of BPM have been investigated (11 cystic adenomatoid malformations, 7 pulmonary sequestrations, 7 bronchogenic cysts, 4 congenital lobar emphysema, and 3 complex emphysematous malformations). Nineteen patients had a prenatal diagnosis. For 9 others, symptoms occurred before 4 years of age. Evaluation included a CT-scan in all patients (BPM involution in one). Surgical treatment was performed in 30 patients (lobectomy in 18), with a mean age of 7 months for asymptomatic patients. During the follow-up (mean: 3 years), respiratory symptoms were reported in 10 cases, 3 of them were related to the BPM.

DISCUSSION

Improvement in prenatal ultrasound diagnosis modified the management strategy. Considering the risk of pulmonary complications, surgical treatment is required during the first months of life. For congenital lobar emphysema, and some pulmonary sequestrations or small cystic adenomatoid malformations (<3 cm), conservative attitude may be preferred. BPM justify a multidisciplinary management.

Thoracoscopic resection of intra- and extralobar pulmonary sequestration in the first 3 months of life

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic techniques have gained increasing acceptance in pediatric surgery, but experience with newborns and small children is limited. To our knowledge, a series of minimally invasive resection of pulmonary sequestration in newborns has not yet been reported in the literature. We report on 5 patients with pulmonary sequestration thoracoscopically.

METHODS

From November 2000 to November 2002, 5 patients underwent thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary sequestration. Ages ranged from 4 to 91 days. Two patients had postnatal pulmonary symptoms. Preoperative diagnosis was dubious in 4 children. There were 4 extralobar and 1 intralobar pulmonary sequestrations.

RESULTS

Thoracoscopy was performed with 3-mm instruments and 3 to 5 ports. All procedures were completed successfully. The median duration of the operation was 95 minutes (range, 63-117 minutes), and visualization was excellent. Anomalous blood vessels were clipped and/or ligated. Four patients were extubated immediately after the operation, 1, the day after. The postoperative course was uneventful in all children. At follow-up after 14 months (mean; range, 10-19 months), all patients were free of symptoms and had normal chest x-rays.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopy is feasible for resection of intra- and extralobar pulmonary sequestrations during the first 3 months of life.

Intralobular bronchopulmonary sequestrations associated with bronchogenic cysts

We present three cases of intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestrations with associated congenital bronchogenic cysts. As congenital abnormalities tend to be found together, these cases question the notion that intralobar sequestrations only occur secondary to chronic inflammation or infection, and suggest they can be congenital lesions.

Extralobar sequestration with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a complicated case study

This article presents a case study of an infant (JG) with an antenatal diagnosis of a left diaphragmatic hernia and an extralobar sequestration of his right lung, which was noted postnatally. JG's course was complicated by persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and suspected pulmonary hypoplasia, and he required support with extracorporeal life support (ECLS). JG's case was unusual in his presentation of extreme PPHN that was unresponsive to inhaled nitric oxide and ECLS. His PPHN was nearly intractable, requiring treatment with vasodilators combined with intravenous sildenafil, which had never been tried in our institution before this case. The article concludes with a discussion of the etiology, diagnosis, and management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and extralobar sequestration, singly and in combination.

Atypical pulmonary giant hydatid cyst as bilaterally symmetrical solitary cysts

A pulmonary giant hydatid cyst, a special clinical entity, is rare. Our case involves a young patient who presented with a bilaterally symmetrical solitary cyst in each lung, a feature consistent with congenital lung cysts. The radiological and immunological findings were equivocal. A diagnosis of giant hydatid cyst was made intraoperatively and both cysts were removed conservatively. A follow-up showed complete recovery.

Pneumothorax in dairy cattle: 30 cases (1990-2003)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the features, underlying causes, results of diagnostic testing, and treatment of pneumothorax in dairy cattle.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

30 dairy cattle.

PROCEDURE

Medical records of all cattle with a diagnosis of pneumonia were reviewed. For cattle with pneumothorax, information was obtained pertaining to signalment, anamnesis, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Survival data were compared between cattle with pneumonia with or without pneumothorax.

RESULTS

Pneumothorax was associated with bronchopneumonia in 18 cattle, interstitial pneumonia in 7 cattle, pharyngeal or laryngeal trauma in 3 cattle, and neonatal respiratory distress in 2 calves. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was the most commonly detected infectious agent. Eighteen of 30 (60%) cattle survived; 8 were euthanatized and 4 died. Survival rate was 81% for cattle with pneumonia without pneumothorax during the same time period. Pneumothorax was a significant risk factor for failure to survive to discharge from the hospital for cattle with underlying chronic bronchopneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Pneumothorax in dairy cattle appears to occur most commonly in association with chronic bronchopneumonia. Cattle of both sexes and all ages can be affected.

Pulmonary sequestration

Pulmonary sequestration refers to the situation whereby a portion of lung tissue receives its blood supply from an anomalous systemic artery. Three main variants exist: intralobar, extralobar and communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Venous drainage is typically via a systemic vein, although drainage into the pulmonary veins is well documented. Pulmonary sequestrations are the second commonest congenital lung anomaly. Affected individuals often have other anomalies which are responsible for most of the mortality associated with sequestrations. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion particularly in any child with a chest x-ray suggesting the presence of a mass, those with recurrent chest infections and those with other anomalies seen with the pulmonary sequestration spectrum. Surgical excision is usually advised, although embolisation of the feeding vessel has a role in selected cases.

Fetal Surgery for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Pulmonary Sequestration Complicated by Postnatal Diagnosis of Transposition of the Great Arteries

This report describes the case of a neonate who underwent fetal surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and pulmonary sequestration. His postnatal management was complicated by the additional diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries (TGA). TGA is particularly difficult to diagnose in the fetus. This triad has not previously been documented in the literature. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for associated anomalies, especially cardiac, when evaluating and counseling a pregnancy complicated by CDH.

Pulmonary resection in infants for congenital pulmonary malformation

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To review our experience with indications, timing, and results of pulmonary resection in infants.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Thoracic Surgery Department, Chest Diseases Hospital, Kuwait.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION

Forty-seven infants with congenital lung diseases were treated with pulmonary resection from January 1993 to December 2000.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 90 days (range, 7 days to 11 months). Thirty-four patients were male (72%). Congenital lobar emphysema, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, pulmonary sequestration, and atelectasis were seen in 26, 10, 6, and 5 patients, respectively. The indications for surgery were respiratory distress in 32 patients (68%), respiratory tract infections in 12 patients (26%), and the presence of asymptomatic chest radiographic findings in 3 patients (6%). A lobectomy was performed in 42 patients (89%), bilobectomy in 2 patients (4%), left pneumonectomy in 1 patient (2%), and excision of a mass in 2 patients with extralobar sequestration (4%). An emergency lobectomy was performed in seven patients (15%). Only one postoperative death occurred following a left pneumonectomy for extensive congenital adenomatoid malformation due to pulmonary hypertension. Four patients (9%) had postoperative complications: atelectasis (n = 2), prolonged air leak (n = 1), and pneumothorax (n = 1). Mean follow-up was 4 years (range, 1 to 5 years) for all patients. None of the patients had any physical limitations.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary resection is indicated for the majority of patients with congenital lung malformations. In case of severe respiratory distress, an emergency lobectomy can be performed safely.

Congenital cystic lung disease: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations

Congenital lung cysts such as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, pulmonary sequestration, congenital lobar emphysema, and bronchogenic cysts are rare but fascinating anomalies of lung development. While there are many similarities in terms of their presenting features, there are particular differences between the diagnostic groups that are important to highlight, especially in relationship to approaches to imaging and long-term outcome. A case of each entity is presented with an emphasis on the contemporary approach to diagnostic investigations and therapeutic options.

Spontaneous postnatal resolution of a cystic lung mass: A case report

Postnatal cystic adenomatoid malformations (CAMs) are managed by surgical excision. Asymptomatic CAMs have decreased in size with initial observation. This is the first reported case of complete resolution of a postnatal CAM. Premature infants with asymptomatic CAMs may benefit from careful observation as their initial treatment.

[The extralobar sequestration of the fetal lung]

The extralobar sequestration is a rare pulmonary malformation. An accurate antenatal evaluation is required for a timely therapy and subsequently a good outcome. Here an unusual case of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in a male human fetus is reported. Antenatal ultrasound at 28th week of gestation has revealed a fetal hydrothorax in coexistence with pulmonary hypoplasia and an isolated pulmonary structure. Authors summarise their postnatal findings with special reference to the pathogenesis of an accessory lung. The aim of this report is to define the association of clinical, gross, and histological features of this rare congential malformation in order to improve the antenatal diagnosis. This case indicates that an extralobar pulmonary sequester is not connected to the tracheobronchial tree, and that the arterial as well as the venous blood supply is realised by aberrant systemic vessels. Moreover, histologically revealed dilatations of the normally differentiated terminal airways within the sequester suggest that hyperechogenity can not be a reliable diagnostic criterion. For the accurate assessment of a pulmonary sequestration a detailed antenatal evaluation of both, the arterial and the venous blood supply is essential.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung with an esophageal cyst: report of a case

The authors report the case of a 7-month-old girl found to have both congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM) and esophageal cyst. She suffered repeated episodes of pneumonia and exhibited signs of respiratory distress on admission to our hospital. Chest radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed 2 different kinds of cystic lesions. Resection of the lower lobe of the right lung and excision of the posterior mediastinal cyst were performed. Histologic examination showed Stocker type I CCAM and esophageal cyst. Coexistence of both CCAM and esophageal cyst is extremely rare. The authors speculate that the pathologies of this case originated from a regional disturbance of common embryologic origin during 2 different phases of lung-bud foregut malformations.