Congenital lobar emphysema

Congenital lobar emphysema is a very rare congenital cystic malformation of the lung that can cause acute respiratory distress in early life. This paper reviews 6 cases of congenital lobar emphysema seen over a period of 10 years. The medical records of children with the diagnosis of congenital lobar emphysema were retrospectively reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, presenting symptoms, investigations, treatment and outcome. There were 4 males and 2 females, and all of them presented before 6 months of age. Three presented with recurrent chest infection, while the other 3 had acute respiratory distress soon after birth. In all, the diagnosis was confirmed by chest x-ray, and the left upper lobe was affected in all of them. Although congenital lobar emphysema is rare, clinical awareness of this condition is important for early diagnosis and effective surgical treatment.