Congenital malformations of the respiratory tract

Malformations of the respiratory tract were found in 21 out of 205 foetuses (10%) in whom various congenital malformations had been prenatally detected by ultrasonography and amniocentesis. Pulmonary hypoplasia was the most common of all pulmonary malformations and was established in 17 cases (81%). Lung alobulation was established in two cases (9.5%), and pulmonary cysts were recorded in another two cases in post-mortem examinations. Correlations established between ultrasonographic and pathomorphological findings were not satisfactory as only 29% of all ultrasonographic diagnosis were complete and correct. Hence, much closer cooperation between the pathologist and clinician is essential to all investigations of congenital malformations, in particular to those of complex nature.