Cystic Disease of the Lung in the Newborn Treated by Pneumonectomy

Regional Obstructive Emphysema in Infancy

“…He accepts that congenital cysts can undoubtedly occur but concludes that the majority of lung cysts seen after the first few days of life are acquired. Clark et al (1956) have recently described the successful removal of a lung containing multiple congenital cysts. Successful removal of congenital lung cysts has also been described by Fischer et al and by Conway.…”

“…Some factor suddenly breaking this cycle may be responsible for the sudden disappearance of, for example, a post-pneumonic pneumatocoele. Clark et al (1956) have suggested that multiple congenital cysts of the lung can result from the presence of both bronchiolectasis and a check-valve obstruction of the bronchus. In the presence of the increased tension within the lung resulting from the check valve the bronchiolectatic areas distal to the valve expand to form cysts.…”

“…Case 12 illustrates a 'mixed' form in which cystic and lobar emphysema were combined. The assertion of Clark et al (1956) that areas of congenital bronchiolectasis may become cystic in the presence of a check-valve obstruction of a main bronchus causing lobar emphysema suggests another mixed form.…”