[Lung cystic adenomatoid malformation: our experience].

Background: Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CAM) is a rare entity in pediatrics. To know about it will lead us to its analysis, diagnosis and adequate surgical treatment.
Aim: To show our experience for the diagnosis and treatment of lung (CAM).
Material and Methods: Over a period from 1995 to 2000 twenty-one patients with (CAM) diagnosis were treated. Diagnosis was based upon clinical evaluation, laboratory and radiological findings: these include thorax X-ray, CT scan, echo Doppler and Angiography. The elective treatment was lobectomy.
Results: Twenty-one patients from the Children's Hospital "Sor María Ludovica" of La Plata city were retrospectively studied over a period from 1995 to 2000. Patient's average age was 3.4 years, fourteen were feminine and seven masculine. The study consisted of clinical evaluation and imaging diagnosis: thorax-x ray; CT scan, echo Doppler and Angiography.
Surgical Treatment: lobectomy. Pleural drainage was left. No deaths were registered. Pathological studies confirmed the diagnosis and type of CAM. Follow up was indicated in all patients.
Conclusions: The awareness of the present pathology on the part of pediatricians makes possible considerations for careful diagnostic studies and early patient referral.