What Are Congenital Lung Lesions?
Congenital lung lesions are a group of conditions where part of the lung has an abnormal growth or mass. The exact cause of congenital lung lesions is unknown. The most common types are:
- Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM)
- Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM)
- Bronchopulmonary sequestration
- Congenital lobar emphysema
How Are Congenital Lung Lesions (CPAM, CCAM) Diagnosed?
A lung lesion may be found during routine prenatal ultrasound. If your doctor suspects a problem, additional tests may be ordered. These may include:
- Fetal echocardiogram: A specialized ultrasound to look at your baby’s heart.
- Fetal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This type of imaging gives more detailed pictures of your baby’s organs. It can provide additional information on the growth of the normal parts of the lungs and can help identify if there is any extra blood supply to the lesion.
- Cell-free fetal DNA testing: A screening test where a sample of your blood is taken to look for copies of baby (fetal) DNA.
- Amniocentesis: A medical procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is taken and screened for genetic problems. This test is usually done in the middle of the second trimester. An amniocentesis can be used to confirm findings on the cell-free fetal DNA test.
How Are Congenital Lung Lesions (CPAM, CCAM) Treated During Pregnancy?
If a test finds you are carrying a baby with congenital lung lesion, you will keep getting care from your obstetrician (OB/GYN). Your OB/GYN may also refer you to the Fetal Center at Nationwide Children’s, where you will meet with a team including maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists, neonatologists (doctors who specialize in treating newborns), pediatric and fetal surgeons (doctors who perform surgery), and nurses to learn more about your baby’s care. They may suggest treatments such as:
- Ultrasound: A type of imaging that uses sound waves to see inside the body. May be used to monitor the size of the lung lesion, and to check for the development of hydrops (extra fluid buildup in the baby).
- Steroids: Studies have showed that giving the mother a short course of steroids in the second trimester may help to prevent hydrops in babies with large lung lesions. Your maternal fetal medicine specialist will determine if steroids are needed based on the size of the lung mass and your baby’s measured chest volume.
- Open fetal surgery (intrauterine surgery): When fetal intervention is required, procedures are performed at Nationwide Children’s in a specially equipped operating room. After the procedure, patients are transported to our fetal care unit with a dedicated team of experts for both mom and baby.
What Is My Baby’s Outcome (Prognosis)
Your high-risk obstetrician will closely monitor your pregnancy for any signs of hydrops and other complications. Survival for babies who have no symptoms at birth is excellent.
Connect With Our Team
Our team is here to help as soon as you learn your baby may have a fetal concern or diagnosis. And a physician referral is not required. Our expert team evaluates and treats nearly every fetal complication, from the most common to the most complex conditions. With access to advanced diagnostic imaging, ultrasounds and fetal MRIs, you'll find the answers, and the treatment, here.
