[Congenital lobar emphysema].

BACKGROUND

Congenital lobar emphysema is characterized by overinflation of pulmonary lobe and is caused by localised bronchial obstruction. The disease may result in severe respiratory distress in early infancy.

METHODS

Records of children, with congenital lobar emphysema, who were treated at our department between 1997-2003, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Three males, aged 16 days till 1 year, were diagnosticed as congenital lobar emphysema. Presenting symptoms were dyspnea in 2 patients, cyanosis in 2 patients, wheesing in 2 patients, recurrent respiratory tract infection in 2 patients. Chest x rays and computerized tomography scans showed hyperinflation of the affected lobe in all patients. The affected sites were left upper lobe in 2 patients and right upper lobe in 1 patient. All patients underwent lobectomy.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to suspect on this uncommon anomaly in early infancy. The diagnosis was established by chest x rays and CT scans. Intensive therapy and urgent lobectomy, in severe respiratory distress, are condition for successfully treatment.