Surgical therapy of a Fetal Lung Interstitial Tumor (FLIT) in an infant – A case report and review of surgical considerations

Abstract

Congenital lung masses are rare and their clinical presentation is highly variable. If newborns present with respiratory distress immediately after birth, early surgical therapy can be necessary. Here, we present the case of a newborn with a very large left-sided lung tumor. The severe respiratory compromise warranted surgical resection at the age of 11 days. The surgery was conducted by an interdisciplinary team. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used to maintain hemodynamic stability. The postoperative histopathological workup identified the tumor as a Fetal Lung Interstitial Tumor (FLIT). The patient developed well and is doing fine 15 months after surgery.