Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation

Overview

CPAM is often found on a routine pregnancy scan. Many babies have no symptoms at birth, but surgery is often advised to prevent infections and other problems later.

Signs

• Often no symptoms
• Breathing difficulty in newborns with large lesions
• Repeated chest infections later in childhood

Causes and risk factors

It develops during early lung growth for unknown reasons. It is not usually inherited.

Diagnosis

It is usually seen on a pregnancy ultrasound. After birth, a CT scan of the chest confirms the size and position.

Treatment

Babies with breathing problems need care in the neonatal unit. Surgery to remove the affected part of the lung is usually done in the first year of life.

When to see a doctor

Babies with CPAM should be followed by a specialist. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or repeated chest infections.