title: [Congenital lung malformations: natural history and pathophysiological mechanisms].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Congenital lung lesions comprise a broad spectrum of various malformations including congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), congenital lobar emphysema, bronchial atresia and bronchogenic cyst. This review aims at the description of their natural history, and of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Congenital lung lesions are frequently diagnosed antenatally and many remain asymptomatic after birth. In the absence of antenatal identification, they are usually revealed by the occurrence of infection. In some cases, spontaneous resolution of the malformation can occur. Different pathogenic hypotheses are discussed for the origin of these abnormalities, and common processes appear likely to all of these malformations. Factors involved in the process of branching seem to play a particularly important role.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prospective follow-up of operated and unoperated children would complete our knowledge about the natural history of these lesions. The contribution of experimental models has led to advances in the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms. Further studies are needed to identify the factors initiating the malformative process.
authors.affiliation: Service de pneumologie et d'allergologie pédiatriques, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149 rue de Sévres, Paris cedex 15, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hadchouel-Duvergé
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lezmi
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Blic
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Delacourt
mesh_terms: D001998:Bronchopulmonary Sequestration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D015615:Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008954:Models, Biological; D015619:Respiratory System Abnormalities / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology