Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: prenatal diagnosis, prognostic factors and fetal outcome.

AIM: To evaluate 14 cases of cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM) of the lung with regard to antenatal management and fetal outcome.

RESULTS: Intrauterine shunts were placed in 3 fetuses to avoid pulmonary hypoplasia. Prenatal sonography showed that the lesions had a tendency to resolve in 4 cases. Of the 9 infants who survived, 5 were treated surgically (lobectomy).

CONCLUSIONS: The antenatal evolution of these lesions is highly variable; the lesions may even resolve spontaneously, therefore the diagnosis of CAM types II and III should be followed by a period of observation. Intrauterine drainage is recommended in cases of CAM type I if unfavorable prognostic factors are encountered.