[Congenital lobar emphysema]

This article includes the way cases of congenital lobe emphysema were treated at the Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez" during 1971 to 1989. A total of 17 cases were gathered, 13 were males and 4 were females; admittance age varied from 13 days to 3 years. The children's main symptoms were respiratory failure and cyanosis. The diagnosis was enhanced by a chest X-ray where lobe hyperclarity was detected, as well as a deviation of the mediastinum and a collapsed lung. A lobectomy was performed in all cases. The upper left lobe was seen to be the most affected. Two of the children died. It is important to recognize this disease early on and conduct prompt surgical treatment.