Multiple pulmonary chondromata. A rare cause of neonatal respiratory distress.

A neonate with respiratory distress due to a right pneumothorax is presented. After drainage of the pneumothorax, atelectasis of the entire right lung developed. Because the atelectasis persisted, bronchoscopy was performed. On bronchoscopy the carina and right main-stem bronchus could not be visualized. Thoracotomy showed that the right main-stem bronchus was obstructed by a space-occupying lesion that was originating from the right upper lobe. Therefore, a sleeve resection of the right upper lobe was performed, and the right main-stem bronchus was reconstructed. Microscopic examination of the resected right upper lobe showed multiple chondromata. The lesions were located both in the lung parenchyma immediately beneath the pleura and in the bronchial wall. Pulmonary chondromata are rarely diagnosed in children. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient ever presented with pulmonary chondromata.