Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: an obstetric and ultrasound perspective

Abstract

Between 1986 and 1990, seven women were found to have fetuses with an abnormal antenatal ultrasound appearance of the chest and lungs suggestive of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM). All were confirmed by pathology. Cystic spaces were only visible in those women with macrocystic disease (Stocker types 1 and 11) whilst increased echogenicity of affected lung tissue and mediastinal deviation were seen in all types. Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung was also found in one woman with a raised maternal serum α-fetoprotein. The appearances are distinctive, and should be sought in all cases of polyhydramnios, fetal ascites and raised maternal serum α-fetoprotein.