Malformación congénita de la vía aérea pulmonar: Reporte de un caso adulto

Abstract

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation or CPAM (congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation) that involve the lung is an embryonic anomaly. CPAM is a rare condition in chilhood, and even more so in adulthood. In this article we report the case of a young adult man with CPAM and present a brief review about this condition. Case study: 23 years old man with several episodes of pneumonia and obstructive bronchial syndrome during his childhood. The patient complained of pleuritic chest pain, malaise and fever. On physical examination lung sound was diminished in the lower right zone of the chest, abundant coarse crackles were detected and there was dullness on percussion. Chest roentgenogram and computed tomography (CT) revealed a complex image of multiple cysts with air and fluid in the right lung. Because of the lack of response to medical treatment a right lower lobectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed a type 1 CPAM. After being discharged from the hospital the patient developed a broncho-pleural fistula, that was succesfully treated by a second surgical intervention. Three years after surgery the patient is free of symptoms. Discussion: CPAM is a rare congenital hamartomatous condition. This malformation in adults it is exceptional. Chest CT is the choice diagnostic technique. Considering the high neoplastic potential of this malformation, its treatment should be the surgical resection, even in asymptomatic patients.