Spontaneous pneumothorax in a child? Think of cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is the most common congenital lung lesion. Spontaneous pneumothorax, as the initial manifestation of CCAM, is rare. Purpose: We report a case of this disease in a child who presented with features of pneumothorax. Case presentation: A ten year old boy had a seven day history of breathlessness and pain in the left side of the chest. An urgent chest X-ray revealed a large pneumothorax with collapsed left lung. A CT scan demonstrated a large well defined capsulated and thin walled cavity occupying left lower lobe. A lobectomy was done. The histological study confirmed the diagnosis of type I cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility that spontaneous pneumothorax may be the initial presentation of CCAM in children.