[Image of the month : congenital lobar emphysema in a teenager].

Abstract

Congenital lobar emphysema is a rare pulmonary malformation that typically presents at birth or within the first few months of life as respiratory distress. Diagnosis is confirmed by imaging modalities such as chest X-rays and thoracic CT scans, and histological examination. Early lobectomy allows an excellent prognosis. In rare cases, the diagnosis is made during adolescence or adulthood, which is associated with incomplete pulmonary recovery following surgery.