Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (cpam) mimicking an spontaneous pneumothorax in a newborn.

Introduction: Patients with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) are usually asymptomatic, but some may present with respiratory distress. We report a rare presentation of a CPAM as an image compatible with persistent and localized spontaneous pneumothorax.

Case Report: A 2-month-old male infant without prenatal diagnosis, postnatal distress or barotrauma, was admitted with acute respiratory symptoms and a right tension pneumothorax on chest X-ray. Despite placement of a chest drain, radiological image persisted. CT confirmed the presence of a CPAM. An open surgical approach was decided and a huge bulla depending from the right upper apex lobe was found and resected. Pathological report disclosed type 4 CPAM.

Discussion/conclusion: Despite the negative prenatal screening, the diagnosis of CPAM should be considered in a patient with sudden respiratory distress and suspicion of an spontaneous pneumothorax. Type 4 CPAM may appear like unique lung cyst mimicking a spontaneous bullae or a massive pneumothorax.