Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome-a rare diagnosis presented through two adult patients

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Radiology

Background:

• Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome (SJMS) is a rare condition characterized by obliterative bronchiolitis after childhood lung infections.
• It leads to impaired lung development, including hypoplastic pulmonary arteries and characteristic radiological findings.

Observation:

• Two adult cases of SJMS are presented: a 51-year-old female with recurrent hemoptysis and a 40-year-old male with sepsis and a history of chest infections.
• SJMS can present with recurrent chest infections, exertional dyspnea, or be found incidentally.

Findings:

• The syndrome results in unilateral hyperlucent lung with expiratory air-trapping and a pruned-tree appearance on pulmonary angiography.
• Diagnosis requires awareness of the characteristic radiological patterns and clinical presentations.

Implications:

• Accurate and timely diagnosis of SJMS is crucial for appropriate patient management.
• This awareness can prevent incorrect and unnecessary treatments, improving patient outcomes.
• Management focuses on infection prevention, airway clearance, and vaccinations.