A Rare Cause of Pediatric Respiratory Distress: Congenital Lobar Emphysema. A Case Report

¹ Medical Doctor in Department of Pediatrics of Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, Spain.

² Medical Doctor in Emergency Department of Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, Spain.

Corresponding Author: : Eduardo Esteban Zubero, Emergency Department of Hospital San Pedro. Calle Piqueras 98. ZIP Code: 26006. Logroño, Spain, Tel: +34654123994; E-Mail: [email protected]

Received Date: 12 Sep 2018  
Accepted Date: 18 Sep 2018  
Published Date: 24 Sep 2018

Copyright © 2018 Esteban-Zubero E

Citation: García-Muro C, Esteban-Zubero E, Toledo-Gotor C and García-Muga I. (2018). A Rare Cause of Pediatric Respiratory Distress: Congenital Lobar Emphysema. A Case Report. M J Case. 3(2): 040.

ABSTRACT

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare congenital abnormality of the lung characterized by hyperinflation of one of more pulmonary lobes with compression of the surrounding structures, causing respiratory distress. Its prevalence is one in 20,000-30,000 live births, being more frequently observed in newborns and young infants' males. Diagnosis of CLE is based in high level of suspicion and established by combined clinical, radiological and histological findings. Radiological studies include chest X-ray and chest computed tomography, which show distension of the affected lobe and mediastinal displacement. Surgical treatment is required in patients with respiratory distress. However, conservative treatment may be an option in cases with no or minimal symptoms.

We report a case of a nine days old boy affected with respiratory distress and poor feeding. Physical examination showed reduced breathing sounds on the right side as well as mild intercostal and subcostal retractions. Blood test was performed revealing any disturbs. To complete the study, a chest X-ray and chest computed tomography were performed showing a right middle lobe hyperinflation causing mediastinal shift to the left. With the diagnosis of congenital lobar emphysema, resection of the emphysematous lobe was done without complications. Histopathology report was consistent with the initial diagnosis.

KEYWORDS

Congenital Lobar Emphysema; Respiratory Distress; Lung Malformations.