Congenital Thoracic Malformation (Congenital Lung Lesions)

• Congenital lung abnormalities are rare in children.
• They can present ante-natally, at birth, in infancy or sometimes in childhood.
• An ante-Natal sonar can diagnose congenital thoracic lung abnormalities.
• There are different types of lung cysts seen in children.
• They can be diagnosed by xrays and ct scan of the chest.

CPAM (Congenital pulmonary airway malformation ) is one of the more common types of malformation seen.

Congenital large hyperlucentlobe (Congenital lobar emphysema) is another example of a congenital lung lesion.It is usually seen in the neonatal period with a large cyst in the left upper lobe of the lung.

Bronchopulmonary sequestration is also an example of a lung cyst that can present with recurrent chest infections.Bronchopulmonary sequestration usually is a part of the lung that has its own inner lining and receives blood from the aorta.

The treatment of these congenital lung lesions is controversial.

Most paediatric pulmonologists will adopt a wait and see approach, however if these lesions become symptomatic or cause recurrent infections then surgical removal of these lesions become mandatory.

Contact Dr Riaz Khan's Practice to make an appointment.