Congenital Lung Malformations

No Pathogenic DICER1 Gene Variants in a Cohort Study of 28 Children With Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation

BACKGROUND

Distinguishing congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) from pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) can be challenging. Previously diagnosed patients with CPAM may have been misdiagnosed and we may have missed DICER1-associated PPBs, a diagnosis with important clinical implications for patients and their families. To gain insight in potential misdiagnoses, we systematically assessed somatic DICER1 gene mutation status in an unselected, retrospective cohort of patients with a CPAM diagnosis.

METHODS

In the Amsterdam University Medical Center (the Netherlands), it has been standard policy to resect CPAM lesions. We included all consecutive cases of children (age 0-18 years) with a diagnosis of CPAM between 2007 and 2017 at this center. Clinical and radiographic features were reviewed, and DICER1 gene sequencing was performed on DNA retrieved from CPAM tissue samples.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with a surgically removed CPAM were included. CPAM type 1 and type 2 were the most common subtypes (n = 12 and n = 13). For 21 patients a chest CT scan was available for reassessment by two pediatric radiologists. In 9 patients (9/21, 43%) the CPAM subtype scored by the radiologists did not correspond with the subtype given at pathology assessment. No pathogenic mutations and no copy number variations of the DICER1 gene were found in the DNA extracted from CPAM tissue (0/28).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the initial CPAM diagnoses were correct. These findings should be validated through larger studies to draw conclusions regarding whether systematic DICER1 genetic testing is required in children with a pathological confirmed diagnosis of CPAM or not.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Management and Outcomes of Patients With High-Risk (Congenital Lung Malformation Volume Ratio≥ 1.6) Congenital Lung Malformations

INTRODUCTION

Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) have a variable natural history. Larger lesions with CLM volume ratio (CVR) ≥ 1.6 are associated with hydrops and fetal mortality. The purpose of this study is to describe the management and outcomes of high-risk (CVR ≥ 1.6) CLM patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed for all fetuses evaluated between May 2015 and May 2022. Demographics, prenatal imaging factors, prenatal and postnatal treatment, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the cohorts.

RESULTS

Of 149 fetal CLM patients referred to our fetal center, 21/149 (14%) had CVR ≥ 1.6. One CLM patient had intrauterine fetal demise, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 18 patients, 11/18 (67%) received maternal steroids. Seven out of 18 patients (39%) underwent resection at the time of delivery with 1/7 (14%) undergoing exutero intrapartum treatment (EXIT)-to-resection, 5/7 (71%) undergoing EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection, and 1/7 (14%) undergoing a coordinated delivery to resection; among those undergoing resection, there were 2 fatalities (28.5%). Seven out of 18 (39%) patients required urgent neonatal open lobectomies, and the remaining 4/18 (22%) patients underwent elective thoracoscopic lobectomies with no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The natural history and outcomes of severe CLM patients remain highly variable. The EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection procedure may be a safe and effective approach for a subset of CLM patients with persistent symptoms of mass effect and severe mediastinal shift due to the observed decreased operative time requiring placental support observed in our study.

Unexpected pulmonary sequestration in a pregnant patient

A pregnant woman in her early 30s, at 20 weeks of gestational age, presented with recurrent haemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain and a productive cough of 6 months duration. She underwent CT pulmonary angiogram which demonstrated right pulmonary sequestration and right-sided consolidation. Pre-existing pulmonary comorbidities such as chronic inflammation, structural abnormalities or weakened blood vessels within the lungs can encourage the growth of abnormal blood vessels. During pregnancy, these dynamics can be further aggravated by increasing cardiac output to promote blood flow to the placenta and increasing oxygen delivery to the developing foetus. These changes likely cause increased blood flow to the pulmonary sequestration, resulting in haemoptysis. The patient was treated conservatively for community-acquired pneumonia with a course of oral amoxicillin 500 mg three times a day for 5 days, and she is doing well on follow-up.

The upper airway parameters: the potential diagnostic clues for congenital intrathoracic lesions

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of congenital intrathoracic lesions still has limitations. The airway development was influenced by intrathoracic factors. Whether the diagnostic value of the upper airway parameters in congenital intrathoracic lesions has not been confirmed.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare fetal upper airway parameters between normal fetuses and fetuses with intrathoracic lesions, and we tried to verify its diagnostic value in intrathoracic lesions.

METHODS

This was an observational case-control study. In the control group, 77 women were screened at 20-24 weeks' gestational age, 23 were screened at 24-28 weeks' gestational age, and 27 were screened at 28-34 weeks' gestational age. In the case group, 41 cases were enrolled (6 cases of intrathoracic bronchopulmonary sequestration, 22 of congenital pulmonary airway malformations, and 13 of congenital diaphragmatic hernia). Fetal upper airway parameters (tracheal width, the narrowest lumen width, and width of the subglottic cavity and laryngeal vestibule) were measured using ultrasound equipment. The correlations between fetal upper airway parameters and gestational age, and the differences in fetal upper airway parameters between cases and controls, were analyzed. The standardized airway paraments were acquired, and their potential diagnostic value for congenital intrathoracic lesions were analyzed.

RESULTS

The fetal upper airway parameters of both groups were positively correlated with the gestational age: The control group, tracheal width (R² = 0.569, p < 0.001), narrowest lumen width (R² = 0.429, p < 0.001), subglottic cavity width (R² = 0.551, p < 0.001), laryngeal vestibule width (R² = 0.349, p < 0.001). The case group (tracheal width R² = 0.474, p < 0.001) narrowest lumen width (R² = 0.425, p < 0.001), subglottic cavity width (R² = 0.623, p < 0.001), laryngeal vestibule width (R² = 0.347, p < 0.001). Fetal upper airway parameters of the cases group were smaller than those of the controls group. The tracheal width in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia was the smallest among the other case groups studied. The standardized tracheal width has the best diagnostic value for congenital intrathoracic lesions in the standardized airway paraments (the area under the ROC curve was 0.894), and has a high diagnostic value for congenital pulmonary airway malformations and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (the area under the ROC curve was 0.911 and 0.992, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Fetal upper airway parameters differ between normal fetuses and fetuses with intrathoracic lesions, and might offer potential diagnostic clues for congenital intrathoracic lesions.

Pediatric pulmonology 2021 year in review: Rare and diffuse lung disease

The field of rare and diffuse pediatric lung disease is experiencing rapid progress as diagnostic and therapeutic options continue to expand. In this annual review, we discuss manuscripts published in Pediatric Pulmonology in 2021 in (1) children's interstitial and diffuse lung disease, (2) congenital airway and lung malformations, and (3) noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis including primary ciliary dyskinesia. These include case reports, descriptive cohorts, trials of therapies, animal model studies, and review articles. The results are put into the context of other literature in the field. Each furthers the field in important ways, while also highlighting the continued need for further studies.

Should asymptomatic patients with congenital lung malformations undergo surgery? A decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are being detected more frequently during pregnancy. There is controversy regarding the optimal treatment for an asymptomatic child with prenatally diagnosed CLMs. Due to the paucity of information from clinical trials, we developed decision analytic models to compare two treatment strategies for such patients-elective surgical resection versus expectant management.

METHODS

We built decision analytic models stratified by lesion size. We used data from English language literature identified through PubMed searches along with estimates from expert opinions of surgical colleagues. We analyzed results for two hypothetical asymptomatic 6-month-old children with CLMs; one has a large lesion occupying more than 50% of the involved lobe, while the other has a small lesion occupying less than 50% of the involved lobe. We used quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to measure effectiveness.

RESULTS

For an asymptomatic child with a small or large lesion, expectant management resulted in a small gain of 0.09 or 0.15 QALYs, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that surgical resection would be preferred if the probability of remaining asymptomatic was low.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to current practice, expectant management may be a better alternative for asymptomatic children born with CLMs. More longitudinal studies are required to improve the accuracy of the model.

Intralobar pulmonary sequestration in an adult: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital lung anomaly, presenting mostly in childhood and adolescence.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 26-year-old male patient presenting with pleuritic left sided chest pain and haemoptysis. Computed tomography of the chest showed features of intralobar pulmonary sequestration involving the left lower lobe, with arterial supply arising from the descending thoracic aorta above the diaphragm and normal venous drainage. Video assisted thoracic surgery was planned to perform a left lower lobectomy. Considering the risk of bleeding from the large artery supplying the sequestered segment, a posterolateral thoracotomy incision was made and left lower lobectomy was completed, with successful division of the arterial feeder. The patient was discharged home without complications. Pathologic examination of the specimen grossly revealed partial division of the lobe by two fissures with extensive adhesions into an upper and lower portion with no clear demarcation and a large vessel which enters the lower portion at the posterior inferior aspect, separate from the hilum with a diameter 10 mm. Microscopically, both portions of the lobe showed normally alveolated lung tissue with patchy recent intra-alveolar haemorrhage and evidence of chronic inflammation in the sequestered segment. There was no evidence of malignancy.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the rare presentation of pulmonary sequestration in adulthood and the importance of imaging to identify anomalous arterial supply to the sequestered segment in the left lower lobe of the lung. The use of safe surgical techniques to control the anomalous systemic arterial feeding vessel cannot be overemphasized.

Hilar Abnormality in the Left Lung: Left Pulmonary Artery Posterior to the Left Mainstem Bronchus

The thoracic cavity contains vital cardiovascular and pulmonary structures. Few congenital anatomical variations in the bronchial tree and pulmonary vasculature have been reported. Understanding such variants is crucial during surgical procedures that involve the thorax. During routine dissection of an 89-year-old male cadaver as part of a first-year anatomy course, an anomaly of the bronchial tree was discovered. The left lung hilum was notable for the pulmonary artery being posterior to the mainstem bronchus. The case report describes normal lung development and anatomy and the significance of this novel variation in which has not been previously described in the literature.

Pitfalls in the surgical treatment of undiagnosed lung lesions and cystic pulmonary hydatidosis

Background

Hydatid cysts can mimic many lung pathologies radiologically, as well as some malignant or benign lung tumors may show hydatid cyst-like radiological features. The aim of our study is to present our clinical experience and recommendations by analyzing the cases that create diagnostic difficulties by presenting a common radiological pattern with a pulmonary hydatid cyst.

Methods

The patients who were operated on with a preliminary diagnosis of hydatid cyst but were diagnosed differently, and who were operated on with different prediagnoses and unexpectedly diagnosed with hydatid cyst were included in the study. The clinical and radiological features of the patients were documented, and the features of the cases that could cause difficulties in diagnosis and treatment for the surgeon were revealed.

Results

A total of 20 patients who were radiologically suggestive of hydatid cyst but were diagnosed differently or unexpectedly diagnosed as hydatid cyst were included in the study. Lung cancer, bronchogenic cyst, or bronchiectasis were detected in 13 patients who were radiologically suggestive of hydatid cyst. There were 7 patients who were diagnosed with hydatid cysts, although they did not have specific radiological findings.

Conclusions

While hydatid cysts can mimic many lung pathologies, many benign or malign parenchymal lung pathologies may exhibit hydatid cyst-like radiological features. Therefore, in regions where a hydatid cyst is endemic, the surgeon should consider all possibilities while managing the cases.

Clinical registration number: Institutional Review Board of the Dr Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Education and Research Center (No. 49109414-604.02).

Transcriptome analysis of lncRNA expression patterns in human congenital lung malformations

Objectives

To explore the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression pattern of congenital lung malformations on a genome-wide scale and investigate their potential biological function in four subtypes of congenital lung malformations.

Methods

We obtained both lesions and normal lung control tissues from the patients diagnosed with CPAM-I, CPAM-II, ILS, and ILS-CPAM, and underwent lobectomy (i.e., surgical removal of the whole lobe which contains the localized lesion as well as normal lung tissue). Then, we performed lncRNA transcriptome profiling in these tissues by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was conducted to characterize the expression profiles and relevant biological functions and for multiple comparisons of lncRNA expression in the different subtypes of congenital lung malformation tissues. Furthermore, the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed, and dysregulated mRNAs were functionally analyzed. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to predict the potential molecular mechanism of the identified lncRNAs.

Results

A total of 5921 lncRNA transcripts were identified between congenital lung malformations tissues and normal lung control tissues. Compared with normal lung control, 481of these expressed lncRNAs were upregulated and 142 were downregulated in CPAM-I, 91 were upregulated and 14 were downregulated in CPAM-II, 39 were upregulated and 38 were downregulated in ILS, and 201 were upregulated and 38 were downregulated in ILS-CPAM. Unsupervised clustering and principal component analysis of the expressed lncRNAs visualized the differences between normal lung control and different subtypes of congenital lung malformations samples. We also confirmed significant differences in the composition of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) between CPAM-I and other subtypes of congenital lung malformations, as well as in normal lung control tissues, and observed enrichment of DEGs in the regulation of the immune system, cell projection organization, and inflammatory pathways. Finally, we identified the lncRNA FLJ26850 might be related to congenital lung malformations via ZNF473.

Conclusions

Significant differences in lncRNAs expression patterns were observed between different subtypes of congenital lung malformations and normal control. The lncRNA FLJ26850 might be related to congenital lung malformations via ZNF473.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08204-x.

Pediatric pulmonology 2019 year in review: rare and diffuse lung disease

Pediatric Pulmonology publishes original research, review articles, and case reports on topics related to a wide range of children's respiratory disorders. Here we review manuscripts published in 2019 in this journal and others on (1) anatomic lung, airway, and vascular malformations, (2) children's interstitial lung disease, and (3) primary ciliary dyskinesia and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

An atypical case of congenital lobar emphysema in an adult, non-smoker patient presenting with pneumothorax

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a developmental anomaly of the lower respiratory tract characterized by hyperinflation of one or more pulmonary lobes in the absence of extrinsic bronchial obstruction. We present a case of a 24-year-old male, nonsmoker who presented with shortness of breath and severe left sided chest pain. A chest x-ray was significant for a very large left-sided pneumothorax and chest CT showed lobar emphysematous changes. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and lobectomy was subsequently performed after persistence of pneumothorax despite chest tube insertion and conservative management. Surgical pathology of resected specimen showed chronic emphysematous changes with patchy chronic organizing pneumonitis. Histology showed advanced emphysematous changes of pulmonary parenchyma consistent with congenital lobar emphysema. This finding combined with features seen on computed tomography of the chest led to the diagnosis of congenital lobar emphysema. This case demonstrated that CLE can be a cause of tension pneumothorax in adults in rare cases.

Rare cause of haemoptysis: bronchopulmonary sequestration

Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital pulmonary abnormality of the lower airways, which includes an abnormal and non-functioning lung tissue not communicating with the tracheobronchial tree and having aberrant blood supply from systemic circulation with variable venous drainage. The incidence of sequestration is around 0.15%–6.4% of all congenital lung malformations. Common presenting features are cough and expectoration. Misdiagnosed cases may present with recurrent infections and haemoptysis. CT of the chest with contrast is the imaging modality of choice. This is a case report of a 32-year-old woman who presented with cough and haemoptysis. CT of the chest showed a multiloculated mass-like lesion in the left lower lobe with a feeding artery from coeliac plexus and venous drainage via the normal left pulmonary vein. Based on CT chest findings, diagnosis of intralobar pulmonary sequestration was made. The patient was reviewed by cardiothoracic surgeons and underwent surgical resection of the sequestrated lung.

Common presenting features are cough and expectoration. Misdiagnosed cases may present with recurrent infections and haemoptysis. CT of the chest with contrast is the imaging modality of choice.

Case Report: Prenatal and Postnatal Management for Fetal Bronchogenic Cysts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: A fetal bronchogenic cyst (BC) is a rare congenital anomaly with an incidence of 0.147-0.238‰. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as a particular situation, hindered pregnant women from receiving periodic prenatal checkups. Case Description: Until 34⁺⁶ weeks of gestation, a fetal case of the intrathoracic cyst was found by ultrasound examination. Further, MRI examination confirmed the diagnosis of the congenital mediastinal cystic lesion, probably a BC. Genetic testing was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At 38⁺⁵ weeks of gestation with maternal COVID-19 testing negative, a live girl was delivered by cesarean section. Five months later, the child underwent bronchocystectomy, and the postoperative pathological lesions confirmed a (right upper mediastinum) BC. Conclusion: Herein, we reported the prenatal and postnatal management for a rare case of the congenital BC by multidisciplinary approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fetal MRI and screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities are especially recommended. This case contributes to the awareness that the COVID-19 pandemic interferes with regular follow-up schedules during pregnancy and may interfere with timely performed additional tests; which leads to more accurate genetic counseling. A combination of multidisciplinary approaches, including radiology, infection control, genetic counseling, obstetrics, and pediatric surgery, is pivotal for managing fetal BC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ultrasound detected prenatal hyperechoic lung lesions and concordance with postnatal findings: A common aspect for multiple diagnoses

OBJECTIVE

Hyperechoic lung lesions are largely detected prenatally but their underlying etiology is still poorly defined. The aim of the study was to determine the concordance between pre and postnatal diagnosis of hyperechoic lung lesions.

METHODS

Prenatal ultrasound (US) evaluation was performed by a fetal medicine specialist. Postnatal diagnosis was based on CT-scan. Pre- and postnatal features were retrieved from medical charts.

RESULTS

Seventy five patients were included from January 2009 to December 2018. Main prenatal diagnoses were bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPS) (n = 24%-32%), pulmonary cystic malformations (PCM) (n = 19%-25%), congenital lobar emphysemas (CLE) (n = 15%-20%). Mediastinal shift was observed in 18 cases (24%). The prenatal detection of a systemic arterial supply had a diagnostic accuracy of 90%, while the prenatal detection of a cystic component had a diagnostic accuracy of 76.5%. All 16 neonates with prenatal isolated mediastinal shift were asymptomatic at birth. Seven neonates showed respiratory distress that was not predicted prenatally.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperechoic lung malformations reflect a heterogeneous group of lesions with a good concordance for bronchopulmonary sequestration, but not a satisfying prediction for cystic lesions.

Congenital lobar emphysema: Thoracotomy versus minimally invasive surgery

BACKGROUND:

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare developmental malformation of the lung but can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to review our experience with 45 patients with CLE highlighting clinical features, aspects of diagnosis, and management.

METHODS:

The medical records of all patients diagnosed with CLE in our center were reviewed. Patients age at the time of diagnosis, sex, clinical presentation, associated anomalies, the lobes affected, treatment modality, and outcome were described. A comparison was made between those who had lobectomy via open thoracotomy and those treated thoracoscopically.

RESULTS:

From January 2000 to December 2018, a total of 45 infants with CLE were presented to our institution. There were 30 male and 15 female, and the mean age at presentation was 3.35 months. Twenty-five patients presented with respiratory distress. Nine patients presented immediately after birth, and two of them had surgery within the 1^st week of life. Twenty patients were presented with repeated chest infections. Left upper lobe was affected in 27 patients, right middle lobe in 13, and right upper lobe in 5 patients. Forty-four patients had a lobectomy, and one was managed conservatively. One patient had a postoperative bronchopleural fistula. Nine patients had a thoracoscopic lobectomy, and two of them were converted to open thoracotomy because of persistent air leak. The operative time and hospital stay were nonsignificantly longer in thoracoscopic lobectomy (P = 0.5 and 0.4, respectively). There was no operative mortality in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

CLE is a rare malformation with variable presentation. Infants presenting with respiratory distress or recurrent chest infection should be evaluated for the possibility of CLE. Lobectomy is the treatment of choice, and rarely, the patients may be managed conservatively. Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a safe procedure with the possibility of air leak and conversion to open lobectomy.

Congenital lung lesions

Diagnosis and management of congenital lung malformations has evolved dramatically over the past several decades. Advancement in imaging technology has enabled earlier, more definitive diagnoses and, consequently, more timely intervention in utero or after birth, when indicated. These advancements have increased overall survival rates to around 95% from historical rates of 60%. However, further refinement of diagnostic technique and standardization of treatment is needed, particularly as the increased sensitivity of diagnostic imaging results in more frequent diagnoses. In this article, we provide an updated review of the diagnostic strategies, management, and prognosis of congenital lung malformations.