Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of lung in adults: A report of 7 cases

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM)is a rare pulmonary developmental anomaly usually diagnosed in neonates and infants before the age of two years. Its presentation in adulthood is very rare. We herein report 7 cases of CCAM in adults. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective review of the clinical records of seven patients who underwent surgery for CCAM between 2003 and 2017. <b>Results:</b> There were 5 males and 2 females with median age of 30 years (range 18-49). The most common symptoms were chest pain (3patients), cough (2 patients) and fever(2patients). Four patients had a history of recurrent lung infections. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed a well circumscribed lesion with numerous cavities localized in the left lung in 4 cases and the right lung in 3 cases. All patients underwent surgical resection through posterolateral thoracotomy. Lobectomy was performed in five patients, segmentectomy in one patient and pneumonectomy in one patient. There was no operative morbidity or mortality. Histopathological examination confirmed CCAM without malignancy. Recovery was uneventful in all patients. <b>Conclusion:</b> Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is uncommon in adults. However, it must be included in the differential diagnoses of patients presenting with recurrent lung infections. In view of the malignant potential, surgical resection is recommended.