CONGENITAL CYSTIC ADENOMATOID MALFORMATION IN ADULTS - CT FINDINGS

Objective: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM) of the lun g usually presents in children, although it has rarely been described in adults. The aim of this study was to review the clinical history an d the CT findings in adults with pathologically proven CAM. Materials and Methods: Seven patients between 21 and 61 years of age with pathol ogically proved CAM were retrospectively identified at three instituti ons. Thoracic CT was reviewed in all cases. Results: Six patients pres ented with recurrent pneumonia and one patient had recurrent pneumotho races. Five cases were classified as a Type I CAM, and two were classi fied as Type II CAM. The CAMs were located exclusively in the lower lo bes and exerted a mass effect on adjacent lung. They appeared as multi ple thin-walled complex cystic masses ranging from 4 to 12 cm in diame ter. No other congenital abnormality was identified in any patient. Co nclusion: Cystic adenomatoid malformation in adults is rare. Patients usually present with recurrent pneumonia and a thin-walled lower lobe complex cystic mass. The diagnosis should be suggested on the basis of the clinical acid CT findings.