Congenital lobar emphysema in an adult

Lung India. 2011 Jan;28(1):67-9. doi: 10.4103/0970-2113.76307.

Abstract

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a clinico-radiological diagnosis, seen usually by four-six weeks of age (50% of patients) and rarely (<5% of patients) after the age of six months. Here, we report a young male with gradual onset of mild exertional breathlessness and physical examination revealing the features of right sided pneumothorax. X-ray of chest, with subsequent CT of chest, leads to the diagnosis of CLE. The pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopic examination and α(1)-antitrypsin level are normal. Patient is managed conservatively.

Keywords: Adult male; CLE; exertional breathlessness.