Cystic adenomatoid malformation

Abstract

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare developmental anomaly of the lower respiratory tract. The term encompasses a spectrum of conditions, the origins of which remain debatable. Affected patients may be completely asymptomatic or present with severe respiratory distress in the newborn period. Others become symptomatic later in life with acute respiratory distress, acute infection, or other manifestations. Many cases, which previously would have gone on undetected until complications arose later in life, are now detected by routine prenatal ultrasound. Thus the pediatric surgeons' role has changed from simply dealing with a patient with acute respiratory issues to often providing prenatal consultation for the expectant parents.