Bronchoscopic appearances of congenital lobar emphysema.
Although decreased bronchial cartilage is found in 50% of cases of congenital lobar emphysema (CLE), it can only be surmised that this defect produces a ball valve effect with consequent overinflation. We describe the flexible bronchoscopic features of CLE in a 3-year-old child. The observed airway patency during inspiration, and dynamic airway collapse on expiration suggests that bronchomalacia contributes to lung overinflation in these cases.
Doull
I J
IJ
Department of Child Health, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
Connett
G J
GJ
Warner
J O
JO
D001980:Bronchi / Q000503:physiopathology; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012119:Respiration