Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: a report of 26 cases and review of the literature.

Abstract

To evaluate the sonographic appearances and prenatal natural history of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. In each case a detailed examination of the thoracic lesion and a complete fetal survey was performed. The pregnancies that elected to continue were followed to term. A total of 26 cases were identified. The pregnancy was electively terminated in nine cases (35%). All the remaining 17 pregnancies ended in liveborn infants (100%). The lesion disappeared completely in three fetuses (18%). Of the 14 infants in whom the lesion was confirmed at birth nine required surgery in the neonatal or post-natal period. Five children did not undergo surgery. Conservative management appears to be an adequate medical practice in cases of isolated congenital unilateral cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, in the absence of hydrops and/or acute polyhydramnios.