A rare case of congenital lobar emphysema presenting as recurrent pneumonia in early adulthood: A case report and literature review.

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare but important lung malformation typically discovered in the newborn period. Some rare cases are reported in adults. It can present with various respiratory symptoms. Diagnosis relies primarily on chest CT scans, and the main treatment is surgery. We present a case of a young girl with recurrent respiratory infections who was misdiagnosed with a pneumothorax. A chest tube was inserted. Later, CLE was identified, and the affected lung lobe was surgically removed. This case highlights the importance of including CLE in the differential diagnosis for hyperinflation of a lung lobe. A CT scan is crucial for confirmation. Congenital lobar emphysema is a rare disease that primarily affects children. Most children with CLE experience symptoms and require surgery. In adults, CLE is uncommon, and surgery is based on the severity of symptoms and radiological findings. • Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare lung disorder, particularly in adults. • The majority of CLE cases present in early childhood, with rare occurrences in adults. This rarity in adults can lead to misdiagnosis as pneumothorax. • In some cases, CLE can also be acquired, so it is important to conduct a study to rule out acquired causes if diagnosed in adults. • The basic diagnosis is made through a CT scan of the chest, with emphasis on Echocardiogram to study the accompanying abnormalities. • Surgery is the preferred treatment approach for symptomatic cases. Even for conservatively managed cases, close follow-up is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]