title: Infantile lobar emphysema.
abstract: Infantile lobar emphysema is a symptom complex representing a spectrum of diseases characterized by overdistention of a pulmonary lobe by a check valve mechanism. The earlier in life infantile lobar emphysema presents, the more severe are the symptoms. Half of the cases appear in the first 4 weeks of life. The chest radiograph is the best diagnostic tool but can be misinterpreted. Computed tomography sometimes discloses the cause, which appears to be bronchial obstruction in 25% of cases. The bronchial obstruction may be due to intrinsic defects or to extrinsic compression. Bronchoscopy should be performed only in certain cases and then only with careful anesthetic management.
mesh_terms: D001980:Bronchi / Q000473:pathology; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed