[Prenatal diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of lung: perinatal management. Apropos 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 February 1992, due to cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, that had been diagnosed by ultrasonography at 19, 22, 34 and 37 weeks of gestational age, respectively. These malformations were not associated with other abnormalities and were type I (three cases) and II (one case) according to Stocker's classification. Only one patient became symptomatic, 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 segmental resection was performed at 5 days of life in the remaining symptomatic patient but persistence of cystic lesions required lobectomy at 10 months.

Conclusions: Early perinatal management of cystic adenomatoid malformations of the lung is necessary as surgical excision is indicated as soon as possible, even in asymptomatic patients.