Recurrent febrile respiratory distress in infant: which diagnosis?

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung is a rare congenital anomaly. CCAM diagnosis can be made by prenatal ultrasound or in postnatal cases with regard to respiratory distress or recurrent respiratory infections. We present, for diagnostic purposes, a case of a patient, aged 4 months who had suffered since birth from recurrent bronchopulmonary infections. He was hospitalised several times for febrile respiratory distress. Chest x-rays previously performed were interpreted as normal. A final radiograph indicated the diagnosis and it was confirmed by CT. Surgical resection was performed with a positive result. CCAM responds to the prenatal diagnosis and requires frequent ultrasound checks during pregnancy and allowing for optimal management. The radiological assessment leads to the diagnosis and addresses the treatment which is based on a surgical cure.