CYSTIC ADENOMATOID MALFORMATION OF THE LU NG - PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS ANDNEONATAL MANAGEMENT OF 4 CASES

Background. - Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung can be seen by ultrasonography during pregnancy. Surgical excision of the affected lobe is indicated during the first days of life. Cases report. - Four neonates were admitted to an intensive care unit from March 1988 to F ebruary 1992, due to cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, that had been diagnosed by ultrasonography at 19, 22, 34 and 37 weeks of g estational age, respectively. These malformations were not associated with other abnormalities and were type I (three cases) and II (one cas e) according to Stocker's classification. Only one patient became symp tomatic, requiring intubation by 72 hours of age. Surgical excision of the affected lobe was performed in three patients at 4 hours, 2 and 7 days of life, respectively, with a normal long-term survival. A segme ntal resection was performed at 5 days of life in the remaining sympto matic patient but persistence of cystic lesions required lobectomy at 10 months. Early perinatal management of cystic adenomatoid malformati ons of the lung is necessary as surgical excision is indicated as soon as possible, even in asymptomatic patients.