[Congenital unilateral pulmonary emphysema (Macleod's syndrome)]

The author analyzes the experience with diagnosis and surgical treatment of 5 patients with one-side emphysema of the lung (McLeod syndrome). The leading symptoms of the disease were respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, their degree being dependent on the stage of compensation of the emphysema, the degree of displacement of the mediastinum organs, disturbance of bronchial passability, compression of the contralateral lung and concomitant diseases. The clinical picture and findings obtained by complex X-ray and angiocontrast methods of examination are considered to be the leading factors in diagnosing this developmental defect. Operations were made on 3 patients without lethal outcomes.