Publication:

Congenital lobar emphysema of right middle lobe-transition from an opaque lung to hyperlucent lung in a neonate

Congenital Lobar Emphysema (CLE) is a rare congenital malformation of the lung characterized by over distension of a lobe of a lung due to partial obstruction of the bronchus. CLE often presents a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We report a case of a 3 week old neonate who presented with sudden onset of respiratory distress related to CLE affecting the right middle lobe. Chest X-ray showed overexpansion of the right middle lobe, collapse of the ipsilateral lower lobe and shift of mediastinum. Lobectomy was performed successfully under general anaesthesia. Chest X-ray done at 6 hours of age showed an opaque right middle lobe which progressively became hyperlucent at 3 weeks of age requiring surgical intervention.