Enfisema lobar congénito

Abstract

Congenital lobar emphysema is a rare lung malformation characterized by hyperinflation ofthe lung lobe affected; 50% of patients present symptoms at birth, which can be confused with other entities such as respiratory infections, atelectasis, pneumothorax, among others. Chest radiography is useful for diagnosis; however, a chest tomography is necessary to differentiate it from other malformations. In most cases, the treatment of choice is a lobectomy, and pneumothorax the most frequent complication. We present an 18-day old patient with symptoms of acute respiratory infection and ventilatory failure, diagnosed with congenital lobar emphysema, who underwent lobectomy.Respiratory symptoms may be the first manifestation of congenital lobar emphysema. Its clinical and radiological suspicion can carry out an early diagnosis, avoiding confusion with other entities such as atelectasis and cystic adenomatous malformation.