Congenital Lobar Emphysema: Anaesthetic Challenges and Review of Literature

Abstract

Congenital Lobar Emphysema (CLE) is a developmental anomaly, characterized by hyperinflation of one or more pulmonary lobes. It presents in infancy with variable degree of respiratory distress due to compression atelectasis. It is most often associated with mediastinal shift with subsequent hypoxia. CLE poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We report a case of five-monthold infant of CLE requiring left lobectomy, who was previously being treated for pneumonia which was unresponsive to medical therapy. Anaesthetic challenges experienced during the case and a brief review of literature is presented.

Keywords

• lobectomy
• pneumonia
• positive pressure ventilation