Presentation
Dyspnea, tachycardia, cyanosis.
Patient Data
Hyperinflation and poor vascularization of left upper lobe with contralateral mediastinal shift.
Hyperinflation and poor vascularization of left upper lobe with contralateral mediastinal shift.
Post upper lobectomy.
Case Discussion
Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is the overinflation of one or more lung lobes, present from birth with a lung histologically normal. The left upper lobe is most frequently affected.
The causes are varied but are all linked to abnormal intrauterine development. The common mechanism includes obstruction of a lobar or segmental bronchus with valve mechanism that results in gas trapping with overdistension of the lung and tissue destruction.
Acknowledgement: Dr Maurizio Salvi.