Fetal echogenic lung lesions: prenatal ultrasound diagnosis and outcome

A rare case: Antenatally diagnosed congenital high airway obstruction syndrome

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare life-threatening fetal condition resulting from obstruction of the upper fetal airway which may be partial or complete. Prenatal diagnosis is crucial as it usually results in stillbirth or death after delivery if unrecognized. We report a case of CHAOS that was diagnosed prenatally due to characteristic ultrasound features. We also briefly review literature in light of current management options.

CHAOS: A fetal autopsy report

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a rare congenital malformation, which results from deficient recanalization of the upper airways. Laryngeal atresia is the most common cause, other etiologies being trachea atresia, laryngeal or tracheal webs, subglottic stenosis, obstructing laryngeal cysts, and laryngeal or tracheal agenesis. There is decreased clearance of the fluid produced by fetal lungs due to obstruction leading to increased intratracheal pressure and thereby secondary proliferative lung growth. The heart becomes compressed in the midline due to hyperexpansion of the lungs causing elevated intrathoracic pressure, decreased venous return, and fetal cardiac failure. This sequence causes ascites, placento-megaly, and eventually hydrops fetalis. We present a case of antenatal diagnosis of a fetus with CHAOS corroborated by fetal autopsy.

Cystic and pseudocystic pulmonary malformations in children: Clinico-pathological correlation

Pulmonary malformations are rare disorders, with cystic and pseudocystic pulmonary malformations (CPPM) the most frequent, and constitute the first cause of lobectomy in children <1 year of age. Morphological overlap of congenital cystic pulmonary lesions might correspond to a spectrum of lesions in which bronchial atresia is a common etiopathogenetic mechanism. We aimed to report the frequency of CPPM resected in a tertiary-level hospital and to evaluate the degree of agreement between presurgical and anatomopathological diagnoses. We studied 44 surgical pieces with a diagnosis of CPPM received at the Pathology Service from 2009 to 2014, resected from 39 patients, 51.3 % males, with a median age of 16.8 months. Up to 69.2% of the patients had adenomatoid malformation of pulmonary airway (AMPA), with type 2 the most frequent (55.5%). Pulmonary sequestration was present in 15.4% of patients; in two cases the diagnosis was an incidental finding during surgery for the repair of a diaphragmatic hernia. Congenital lobar hyperinflation (CLH) occurred in 7.6% cases. Bronchogenic cyst (BC) was present in 7.6% cases. Presurgical and anatomopathological diagnoses in all patients coincided in 71.8% of cases. Kappa coefficient was 0.56 for global concordance in patients with AMPA, and 0.72, 0.64, 0.37 and 0.33 for CLH, BC, and types 1 and 2 AMPA, respectively. This relatively low interobserver agreement could reflect the low reproducibility of diagnoses used in the current nomenclature. Thus, the new nomenclature must be promoted in order to allow for better reproducibility and greater clinico-pathological concordance. The anatomopathological analysis must include the intentional search for bronchial atresia.

Locating the Level and Extent of Congenital High Airway Obstruction: Fluid in the Airway Tract as Reference Points

Described here are a series of four cases of congenital high airway obstruction in the fetus. All of the patients presented in the second trimester and all had hydrops fetalis. Three cases had bilateral hyperinflated lungs, midline shift of heart, flattening or inversion of the diaphragm, and fetal ascites. Autopsy was performed in one of these three and showed laryngeal atresia. In one fetus, there was only a unilateral huge enlargement of the lung with mediastinal shift. On autopsy, this fetus had atresia of right main bronchus. All parents had terminated the pregnancy following the prenatal diagnosis. Laryngeal atresia is an extremely rare fetal anomaly with dismal prognosis. It is important to differentiate the condition from other lesions with a more favorable prognosis, such as congenital adenomatoid malformation of the lung. Much research is needed in the future to explore the therapeutic options, including fetoscopic intervention or transplantation of stem cell-derived airways.

Chaos syndrome

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is the obstruction of the foetal upper airways, which may be partial or complete. It is usually incompatible with life. Prenatal recognition of the disease is quite important. We report here a case of CHAOS diagnosed on antenatal ultrasonography.

Outcome of infants operated on for congenital pulmonary malformations

INTRODUCTION

Patients operated on for congenital pulmonary malformations (CPM) have excellent survival rates, but little is known about long-term morbidity. Our aim is to report the sequelae in patients operated on for CPM in infancy and to define factors that may influence their outcome.

METHODS

All patients operated on for major congenital anomalies are followed in a dedicated outpatient program and evaluated at 6, 24, and 48 months of life (corrected for gestational age) and at school age at 4, 6, 8, and 12 years of life. The data are prospectively collected. Patients operated on for CPM and enrolled in the follow-up clinic between January 2004 and December 2010 are compared with a control group of term infants operated on for inguinal hernia, without other major congenital or acquired abnormalities. The two groups were compared for auxological, respiratory, and orthopedic outcome.

RESULTS

In the study period, 76 consecutive patients with CPM attended our dedicated follow-up clinic. Eight non-operated patients were excluded from the study. Age at follow-up was 82.0 (56.1-103.7) months in CPM patients and 83.5 (75.2-90.4) months in controls (P = 0.79). Fifty-three patients with CPM (78%) had one or more clinical or radiological abnormality versus six (16%) control patients (OR [95%CI] 16.5 [5.8-47.2]; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Over 50% of patients with CPM present long-term sequelae, regardless type of malformation. Therefore, long-term follow-up of patients operated on for CPM is recommended. Further studies are needed to define if, in asymptomatic patients, surgery may modify the natural history of CPM. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1367-1372. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome: report of two cases and brief review of the literature

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is the obstruction of the fetal upper airways, which may be partial or complete. It is usually incompatible with life. Prenatal recognition of the disease is quite important due to the recently described management options. We report here two cases of CHAOS due to tracheal atresia diagnosed by antenatal ultrasonography and fetal MRI. We also briefly review the relevant literature with the associated management options.

Antenatal and postnatal management of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation

Congenital thoracic malformations (CTMs) are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders that may involve the airways or lung parenchyma. The authors have focused on the condition that causes the most controversy, namely, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM). The reported incidence is 3.5 and 0.94 per 10,000 live births for CTMs and CCAMs respectively. Ultrasound is the antenatal imaging modality of choice for screening for CCAMs whilst magnetic resonance imaging is complimentary for morphological and volumetric evaluation of the foetal lung. Most CCAMs are detected antenatally with only a small proportion presenting postnatally. Only a few CCAMs cause foetal problems, with foetal hydrops being the best predictor of death. Although many CCAMs regress during pregnancy, most remain detectable postnatally by CT scans. Surgical excision of symptomatic lesions is relatively straightforward, but management of asymptomatic lesions is controversial. Some surgeons adopt a "wait and see" approach operating only on those patients who develop symptoms, but others operate on asymptomatic patients usually within the first year of life. Due to the potential of malignant transformation, children should have long term follow up. There is an urgent need to delineate the natural history of antenatally detected CCAMs to guide future management.

Neonatal pulmonary sequestration: clinical experience with transumbilical arterial embolization

Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital malformation of the lower respiratory tract. The exact natural course of PS is not well understood and there are no well-established treatment guidelines for antenatally diagnosed PS. The aim of this study was to describe clinical outcomes in neonates with PS and to evaluate the efficacy of transumbilical arterial embolization (TUE). From 1998 to 2006, total 30 neonatal cases were included. Serial antenatal ultrasound in 26 cases found 6 (23%) regressed lesions, all of which were demonstrated on postnatal chest CT. Six (20%) cases were classified as mixed-type (combined cystic) lesions. Surgery was performed early (during initial hospitalization) in two cases and lately (after the neonatal period) in four cases. TUE was performed for 17 (57%) cases of intrapulmonary PS. Follow-up images obtained a median of 19 months (range, 4-51) after TUE demonstrated complete (9, 53%), partial (5, 29%), and no (3, 18%) regression. The regression rate was significantly higher in solid-type lesions (13/13, 100%) than in mixed-type (1/4, 25%) (P = 0.006). Complications included transient hypertension (two cases, 12%), post-embolization fever (two cases, 12%) and migration of a microcoil (one case, 6%), without long-term morbidities. Natural courses could be observed in 10 cases of extralobar PS and regression was observed in 2 cases (20%) during a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 6-45). A well-designed comparative study is warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of TUE.

Spontaneous regression of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: longitudinal examinations by magnetic resonance imaging

We report a case of large cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM), which occupied almost the entire left lung with a prominent mediastinal shift at 24 weeks of gestation. The volume of the lesion, determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was 27.0 cm3. Subsequent MRI and ultrasound examinations revealed a spontaneous resolution of the lesion at 32 and 36 weeks of gestation without a mediastinal shift, when the lesion volume was 12.8 cm3 and 5.6 cm3, respectively. At 37 weeks of gestation, a mature male baby weighing 2638 g with an Apgar score of 7 was delivered by elective cesarean section. A lobectomy of the left upper lobe of the lung was carried out at 3 days of age, due to an enlargement of the CCAM after birth.

Asymptomatic congenital lung malformations

Congenital lung malformations are often discovered incidentally on routine prenatal sonography or postnatal imaging. Lesions such as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM), sequestrations, bronchogenic cysts and congenital lobar emphysema may be asymptomatic at birth or at the time of discovery later in life. Some authors advocate simple observation because of the lack of data on the incidence of long-term complications. However, there are very few described cases where CCAM and intralobar sequestration have remained asymptomatic throughout life; complications eventually develop in virtually all patients. The most common complication is pneumonia, which may respond poorly to medical treatment. Other complications include the development of malignancies (carcinomas and pleuropulmonary blastomas), pneumothorax and hemoptysis or hemothorax. Since lung resection will be required sooner or later for CCAM, intralobar sequestration and intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts it is best not to wait for complications to occur. For patients diagnosed prenatally, we recommend surgery at 3 to 6 months of life at the latest, so that compensatory lung growth can occur. At this age the postoperative course is usually smooth and long-term follow-up has shown normal respiratory function. Mediastinal bronchogenic cysts also tend to become symptomatic and elective resection is recommended. On the other hand, asymptomatic congenital lobar emphysema may regress spontaneously and observation is warranted. The management of small noncommunicating extralobar sequestrations is more controversial; it is known that these lesions can remain asymptomatic throughout life but complications may develop and they are sometimes difficult to differentiate from neuroblastoma.

The management of asymptomatic congenital lung malformations

Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM) and lung sequestration are often discovered on routine prenatal sonography. While some lesions may be large and cause serious complications in the fetus or newborn, many will be asymptomatic at birth. Some authors advocate simple observation because of the lack of data on the incidence of long-term complications. However, there are very few described cases where CPAM and intralobar sequestration (ILS) have remained asymptomatic throughout life; complications eventually develop in virtually all patients. The most common complication is pneumonia, which may respond poorly to medical treatment. Other complications include the development of malignancies (carcinomas and pleuropulmonary blastomas), pneumothorax and hemoptysis or hemothorax. Since lung resection will be required sooner or later for CPAM and ILS, it is best not to wait for complications to occur. We recommend surgery at 3 to 6 months of life at the latest, to allow compensatory lung growth to occur. At this age the postoperative course is usually smooth and long-term follow- up has shown normal respiratory function. The management of small non- communicating extralobar sequestrations is more controversial; it is known that these can remain asymptomatic throughout life but complications may develop and they are sometimes difficult to differentiate from neuroblastoma.

Unusual case of a fetus with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung associated with trisomy 13

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung can be detected with antenatal ultrasound as hyperechogenic areas in the fetal chest. Associated extrapulmonary malformations as well as chromosomal aberrations are described as very rare. We present a case report of a fetus in the 23rd week of gestation who showed in the course of a routine ultrasound screening a large number of malformations: holoprosencephaly, arrhinencephaly, cleft palate, CCAM type III of the right inferior pulmonary lobe, ventricular septal defect and bilateral clubfeet. Chromosome analysis confirmed the suspicion of trisomy 13. The present case shows how important it is-even with malformations that are rarely accompanied by associated anomalies and which have a very good prognosis-to carry out a directed diagnosis including a fetal karyotyping.

Imaging of congenital cystic lung lesions

Congenital cystic lung lesions are a rare but clinically significant group of anomalies, including congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), pulmonary sequestration, congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) and bronchogenic cysts. These conditions can all present on imaging studies as air or fluid filled cysts. Widespread use of antenatal ultrasound has led to increased detection of infants with congenital thoracic abnormalities in utero, resulting in a better understanding of the natural history of many of these lesions and also allowing provision to be made for delivery and postnatal management. More recently antenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has provided further information on the nature of many of these lesions and helped to differentiate them from extrathoracic abnormalities such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which is important in parental counselling. Many children with congenital cystic lung lesions will present with symptoms resulting in the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment and imaging has an essential role in the management of these children. Some congenital lung lesions are treated surgically, whilst others are managed conservatively.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation: accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, prevalence and outcome in a general population

OBJECTIVES

Most available data regarding accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, prevalence and outcome of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) are derived largely from tertiary referral centres and may not reflect general population rates. We aimed to describe the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, ascertain the population prevalence and post-natal outcome for cases of suspected CCAM.

METHODS

Retrospective collection of prenatal and paediatric data for cases of suspected CCAM notified to the Trent Congenital Anomalies Register 1997 to 2001.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven cases of CCAM were suspected prenatally. Twenty-one cases were confirmed post-natally as having a CCAM (positive predictive value 57%). Eighteen of the 21 cases were delivered at term as live births, 15 of which have undergone successful surgery to date. Thirteen of the 37 cases had apparently resolved by delivery. Three further cases were subsequently found to be cases of lung sequestration or lobar emphysema. Five cases of CCAM were detected after delivery (sensitivity of prenatal detection 81%). The population prevalence at delivery was 9.0 per 1,00,000 total births. Five confirmed cases of CCAM developed hydrops, three required in utero intervention and delivered as live births at term, one was terminated and one died in utero. The overall mortality in the confirmed cases of CCAM was 23% of which the majority were terminations of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Problems of diagnostic accuracy and apparent resolution of CCAM render counselling difficult, although our data suggest that the prognosis is better than others have reported. Confirmation of the diagnosis in the neonatal period is vital in order to obtain the true population prevalence figures and to interpret outcome data.

Fraser syndrome and cryptophthalmos: review of the diagnostic criteria and evidence for phenotypic modules in complex malformation syndromes

Fraser syndrome is characterised by cryptophthalmos, cutaneous syndactyly, malformations of the larynx and genitourinary tract, craniofacial dysmorphism, orofacial clefting, mental retardation, and musculoskeletal anomalies. The inheritance is autosomal recessive. No diagnostic cytogenetic abnormalities have been documented in affected patients, and no molecular genetic studies have been reported. We have reviewed 117 cases diagnosed as Fraser syndrome or cryptophthalmos published since the comprehensive review of Thomas et al in 1986 in order to validate the published diagnostic criteria and to delineate the phenotype associated with this syndrome. Our series showed more females (57/117) than males and consanguinity was present in 29/119 (24.8%). Eighty-eight patients satisfied the diagnostic criteria for Fraser syndrome (75%). Cryptophthalmos was present in 103/117 (88%), syndactyly in 72/117 (61.5%), and ambiguous genitalia in 20/117 (17.1%). Ear malformations were recorded in 69/117 (59%), and renal agenesis in 53/117 (45.3%). Use of the published diagnostic criteria excluded several patients with cryptophthalmos and one or more physical feature(s) consistent with Fraser syndrome. The frequency of additional anomalies in our series was also higher than previously reported (for example, imperforate anus or anal stenosis were found in 34/117 (29%) compared with 2/124 (2%) in the series of Thomas et al (1986) and choanal stenosis or atresia was present in 7/117 (6%) compared to 0/124. These findings emphasise the clinical variability associated with Fraser syndrome and support genetic heterogeneity of the syndrome. We also noted patterns of anomalies (for example, bicornuate uterus with imperforate anus or anal stenosis and renal malformations) that are found in other syndromes and associations without cryptophthalmos, suggesting that common modifier genes may explain some of the phenotypic variation in Fraser syndrome.

The evolving appearance of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVE

The prenatal differentiation of a fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia from other echogenic chest masses can be difficult. The implications of the leading diagnosis can greatly affect the neonatal prognosis. The cases presented illustrate how the primary diagnosis of a fetal chest mass can change during the course of gestation as the appearance of the chest mass evolves.

METHODS

A descriptive analysis of 2 cases reviewed the importance of considering multiple causes of an echogenic chest mass.

RESULTS

The sonographic features of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that have been described in the literature were not always present at the time of initial evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia should be part of the differential diagnosis considered during consultation with parents whose fetus has an echogenic chest mass.

First-trimester prenatal diagnosis of a thoracic cystic lesion associated with fetal skin edema

An unusual case of chest cyst diagnosed at the end of the first trimester in a dizygotic twin pregnancy and managed conservatively is reported. Between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, ultrasound revealed a relatively large echopoor lung cyst occupying the left side of the chest, displacing the mediastinum and the heart. This was associated with increased nuchal translucency thickness and generalized skin edema. Subsequent sonograms showed complete resolution of the cyst together with the skin edema. The fetuses were delivered at term and had an uncomplicated postnatal outcome. This case emphasizes the role of reduced venous return as a cause of early fetal hydrops. Diagnosis and follow-up of a congenital lung cyst from the end of the first trimester should enable early intervention to be made.

Prenatal diagnosis of tracheal obstruction: possible association with maternal pertussis infection

A fetus with the sonographic appearance of echogenic and enlarged lungs and dilated trachea and bronchi, indicating laryngotracheal obstruction, is reported. Additionally, the fetus had ascites and subcutaneous edema and the amniotic fluid volume was reduced. Doppler flow investigation of the systemic venous circulation revealed signs of heart failure, and color Doppler visualized possible increased pulmonary flow. Following termination of pregnancy, autopsy confirmed the sonographic observations and revealed a hypoplastic thymus. During the present pregnancy the mother suffered from sustained cough, and serological tests revealed acute pertussis infection. Polymerase chain reaction investigation for Bordetella pertussis in the amniotic fluid was negative. The possibilities of pertussis toxins as noxious factors and of an atypical presentation of DiGeorge anomaly are discussed.

Management of antenatally diagnosed pulmonary sequestration associated with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation

BACKGROUND

Sequestration with associated cystic adenomatoid malformation is rare. A study was undertaken to determine whether pulmonary sequestration associated with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation has a more favourable natural history than that of sequestration without associated cystic adenomatoid malformation.

METHODS

An outline of the postnatal work up leading to the management of extralobar or intralobar pulmonary sequestration with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation diagnosed antenatally as pulmonary malformation is presented and the indications for surgical intervention are discussed.

RESULTS

In five infants in whom an antenatal ultrasound scan had detected a congenital lung malformation at 18-19 weeks gestation a final diagnosis of extralobar or intralobar pulmonary sequestration with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation was made postnatally. Postnatal ultrasound and computerised axial tomographic scans confirmed the diagnosis of sequestration by delineating anomalous vascular supply. Cystic changes were also observed in the basal area of the sequestration in all patients. Four children remained asymptomatic and one infant presented at 10 months of age with pneumonia. The mean age at surgical resection was 6.8 months (range 2-10). Histopathological examination confirmed intralobar pulmonary sequestration with associated Stocker type 2 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in two patients and extralobar pulmonary sequestration with associated Stocker type 2 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation in three patients. The mean period of follow up was four years (range 1-8). The children remain well and are developing normally.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of seeking an anomalous blood supply in children with congenital lung lesions is emphasised. Pulmonary sequestration and congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation probably share a common embryogenesis despite diverse morphology. The natural history of antenatally diagnosed lung masses is variable. Early postnatal surgical resection of pulmonary sequestration with cystic adenomatoid malformation is recommended. Surgical excision should be conservative, sparing the normal lung parenchyma.

Congenital chest lesions: diagnosis and characterization with prenatal MR imaging

PURPOSE

To evaluate prenatal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for diagnosis of fetal chest masses and to determine if MR imaging provides information in addition to that of ultrasonography (US).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen pregnant women were referred for MR imaging of possible fetal chest tumors seen at US (16 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation [CCAM], two bronchopulmonary sequestration [BPS]). The presence, position, size, and characteristics of masses were determined and correlated with postnatal results.

RESULTS

The MR imaging diagnoses were three cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, nine of CCAM, two of BPS, and one each of foregut cyst, lung atresia, tracheal atresia, and bronchial stenosis. MR imaging results were in agreement with US results in nine fetuses and in disagreement in nine. MR imaging diagnoses were confirmed at surgery or autopsy in 17 fetuses. MR imaging results led to an error in diagnosis in one fetus with BPS.

CONCLUSION

Fetal chest masses had characteristic MR imaging appearances. MR imaging was accurate for distinguishing congenital diaphragmatic hernia from CCAM and was useful for less common diagnoses and determination of the origin of very large chest tumors. Prenatal diagnosis was changed in some patients owing to MR results and affected treatment and counseling of parents. MR imaging is a valuable adjunct to US for prenatal diagnosis of fetal chest masses.

The glandular component in congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung

Although severe congenital cystic changes (CCC) of the lung may be fatal, less severe forms may regress or vanish spontaneously. With recent advances in sonography, asymptomatic CCC are increasingly found. Whether all CCC should be promptly excised, or not, is uncertain. Congenital cystic changes conceptually are bronchopulmonary foregut malformations (BPFM) with a predilection for malignant degeneration. Among all BPFM, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is most common. We therefore searched for evidence of early malignant transformation in five surgically excised and three autopsy lungs with CCAM. By light microscopy, CCAM resembled poorly formed and dilated bronchi, bronchioles and respiratory air spaces. Four lungs had multiple nodular aggregates of mucus producing cells; the glandular component (GC). By scanning electron microscopy, GC appeared as multiple micropolyps, resembling neuroepithelial bodies. By transmission electron microscopy, GC had a surface proliferation of cells with granules of the mucous type and a basal increase in cells with owl-eyed neuroendocrine granules. The glandular component in CCAM appeared similar to the mucous cells in hyperplastic polyps of the colon and a type of mucus producing bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. Our findings support the hypothesis that CCAM is caused by dysregulated paracrine growth of mature cells and extracellular matrices and that GC could have the potential for malignant transformation. Further clinical and laboratory studies of BPFM are needed for the appropriate management of congenital cystic changes.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and its postnatal presentation, surgical indications, and natural history

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Regression of a cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM) in a fetus is well described. Little, however, is known about the postnatal course of these infants. This study attempts to correlate the prenatal course of CAMs with postnatal symptoms, radiological manifestations, and need for surgery.

METHODS

The clinical course of patients with a CAM diagnosed prenatally were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion in the study required a prenatal ultrasound scan documenting a CAM.

RESULTS

Over 10 years, 14 patients with a CAM were diagnosed prenatally. Six (43%) showed a partial in utero regression. Four patients were symptomatic at birth and underwent a resection as newborns. Ten patients were asymptomatic at birth, and eight of these had normal chest x-rays. Elective resection has been performed in 3 of these 10, and two additional children are scheduled to undergo an excision near 1 year of age. The remaining five patients have undergone follow-up nonoperatively for a mean of 36 +/- 15 months. Of the seven asymptomatic patients not undergoing immediate surgery, only one has shown a slight postnatal regression, despite five of these showing regression in utero. None have become symptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that regression of a CAM on prenatal ultrasound scan is common, but this process does not continue after birth. A normal chest x-ray does not indicate complete regression of a CAM; a computed tomography (CT) scan is required to evaluate such patients, and will generally demonstrate a CAM. Asymptomatic patients with a CAM may be followed up nonoperatively with no apparent adverse effects. The decision and timing of an excision in an asymptomatic patient remains controversial among pediatric surgeons.

Fetal lung abnormalities--what do they mean?

Antenatal diagnosis of lung abnormalities by ultrasound has been a much more frequent occurrence in recent years. There is a range of appearances from uniform increased echogenicity through to lesions containing large echo-free areas. Bilateral uniformly increased echogenicity has a poor outlook but in all other situations outcome cannot be accurately predicted from an early second trimester scan. Follow-up through pregnancy often allows a fairly accurate prognosis to be made but the appearance of the lesion does not accurately predict histology. A conservative approach to the antenatal management of unilateral lesions is recommended with long-term postnatal follow-up for all lesions because of the unknown long-term outcome for the lesions, many of which are symptomatic postnatally.

Pulmonary sequestrations: prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, treatment, and outcome

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

With the development of antenatal diagnosis of pulmonary sequestrations, the authors decided to define more accurate perinatal operative indications.

METHODS/RESULTS

Antenatal ultrasound scanning (US) enabled the diagnosis of congenital pulmonary malformation in 10 cases between the twentieth and the thirty-third week of amenorrhea (WA; average, 26 WA). An absolute or relative regression of the thoracic mass size was observed in five patients. The systemic arterial blood supply was identified in four patients by Doppler US. Two fetuses required treatment. One of them suffered from a voluminous sequestration, larger than one hemithorax, with polyhydramnios. Three successive paracentesis of ascites and amniotic fluid allowed the pregnancy to continue until term. The second fetus had a sudden left hydrothorax at 30 WA and was treated by a pleuroamniotic shunt. Five spontaneous partial involutions of the mass during the antenatal period were observed. The 10 patients underwent surgery after birth. There was no mortality. Morbidity occurred in one case of antenatal treatment. Twenty-eight other cases of antenatal diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration have been described in the medical literature. Spontaneous involution of the mass has been reported in eight fetuses and its complete disappearance in two cases. Thirteen fetuses had polyhydramnios. Five of these progressed spontaneously without treatment; only two survived. Two other fetuses were drained or punctured, and one survived. Premature deliveries were undertaken for the six other fetus; there was one perinatal death.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequestrations with polyhydramnios may be treated in an early prenatal period. Mortality and morbidity rates are still high. At birth, large-sized sequestrations (more than half a hemithorax) must be operated on, even in cases of no respiratory distress. Medium-sized sequestrations must be operated on to remove the mass. Small and asymptomatic sequestrations must be operated on in case of intralobar forms (often cystic), or with a big blood supply. The artery may be responsible for severe complications (hemoptysis, aneurysm).

Congenital masses of the lung: changes in cross-sectional area during gestation

PURPOSE

We assessed the growth of congenital masses of the lung during gestation using computer-assisted planimetry.

METHODS

The prenatal sonograms of 8 fetuses with congenital masses of the lung were reviewed.

RESULTS

The cross-sectional area of the mass and chest were measured on the same transverse image using computer-assisted planimetry, and the percentage of the chest occupied by the mass was determined for each study. Four masses had pathologic features of type II congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and intralobar sequestration (CCAM/ILS), 2 were type II CCAM, 1 was type I CCAM, and 1 was bronchial atresia with bronchiectasis. Four masses increased in cross-sectional area during gestation, 1 decreased, 2 were essentially unchanged, and 1 showed an initial increase in cross-sectional area followed by a decrease later in gestation. No consistent growth pattern was seen among masses with similar histologic characteristics. The percentage of the cross-sectional area of the chest occupied by the mass decreased in 7 fetuses and was virtually unchanged in 1 during gestation. All the fetuses survived to term; the infants had an uncomplicated postnatal course and underwent surgical resection of the mass during the first year of life.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that in a fetus with a congenital mass of the lung and a favorable clinical outcome, growth of the chest exceeds any growth of the mass that may occur and masses with the same pathologic diagnosis have different patterns of growth in utero.