Congenital lobar emphysema
Introduction
Hyperinflation most commonly affecting the upper left lobe.
Etiology
Variable, the most common factors are:
- external compression of the bronchus by anomal blood vessels
- bronchogenic cysts
- mucosal valves
- insufficiently formed bronchial cartilage
Clinical signs
- quickly developing respiratory distress syndrome after the birth, shift of the mediastinum
and compression of the rest of the lungs
- other congenital anomalies are often present, namely heart defects
Histology
Broad dilatation of interalveolar ducts and alveoli without any destruction of the
pulmonary tissue, sometimes with some fibrosis.