Pneumonectomy Case in a Newborn with Congenital Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia

• Published in: Journal of Korean medical science Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 609 - 613
• Main Authors: Hwang, Joon Ho, Kim, Joo Heon, Hwang, Jung Ju, Kim, Kyu Soon, Kim, Seung Yeon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences 01.04.2014; 대한의학회
• Subjects: Case Report; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Lung - pathology; Lung Diseases - congenital; Lung Diseases - diagnosis; Lung Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Lung Diseases - pathology; Lymphangiectasis - congenital; Lymphangiectasis - diagnosis; Lymphangiectasis - diagnostic imaging; Lymphangiectasis - pathology; Lymphatic Vessels - pathology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; 의학일반; Infant, Newborn; Lymphangiectasia, Pulmonary, Congenital; Pneumonectomy
• ISSN: 1011-8934; 1598-6357; 1598-6357
• DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.4.609

Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) is a rare lymphatic pulmonary abnormality. CPL with respiratory distress has a poor prognosis, and is frequently fatal in neonates. We report a case of pneumonectomy for CPL in a newborn. An infant girl, born at 39 weeks' after an uncomplicated pregnancy, exhibited respiratory distress 1 hr after birth, which necessitated intubation and aggressive ventilator care. Right pneumonectomy was performed after her symptoms worsened. Histologic examination indicated CPL. She is currently 12 months old and developing normally. Pneumonectomy can be considered for treating respiratory symptoms for improving chances of survival in cases with unilateral CPL.