Respiratory Distress in Infants and Congenital Lobar Emphysema

Abstract

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare congenital lung abnormality. Intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction of the lobar bronchus causes air trapping and hyperinflation Clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to acute neonatal respiratory failure, recurrent infectious episodes and tachypnea episodes. Lobectomy has been recognized as the most effective method of treatment in patients with severe symptoms. With the widespread use of antenatal ultrasound and radiological imaging in recent years, now it is possible to diagnose CLE in asymptomatic infants or infants with mild symptoms. In this paper, we present the case of a early diagnosed CLE in an infant who was followed up conservatively.