Pediatric Pulmonary Hypoplasia Clinical Presentation

Updated: Nov 11, 2022
  • Author: Terry W Chin, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Girish D Sharma, MD, FCCP, FAAP  more...
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Presentation

History

There is wide variation in the clinical presentation of pulmonary hypoplasia, depending on the extent of hypoplasia and other associated anomalies. [16]

The history may include poor fetal movement or amniotic fluid leakage and oligohydramnios. The neonate may be asymptomatic or may present with severe respiratory distress or apnea that requires extensive ventilatory support. In older children, dyspnea and cyanosis may be present upon exertion, or a history of repeated respiratory infections may be noted.

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Physical Examination

The external chest may appear normal or may be small and bell shaped, with or without scoliosis. A mediastinal shift is observed toward the involved side, and dullness upon percussion is heard over the displaced heart. In right-sided hypoplasia, the heart is displaced to the right, which may lead to a mistaken diagnosis of dextrocardia. Breath sounds may be decreased or absent on the side of hypoplasia, especially over the bases and axilla.

Some infants may present with otherwise asymptomatic tachypnea, and other may have severe respiratory distress at birth requiring ventilatory support. Pneumothorax, either spontaneous or associated with mechanical ventilation, may occur.

Infants with secondary pulmonary hypoplasia may have associated congenital anomalies or features suggestive of neuromuscular diseases. Such patients may have myopathic facies, with a V-shaped mouth, muscle weakness, and growth restriction. Multiple genetic syndromes associated with primary pulmonary hypoplasia are reported in the literature such as Scimitar syndrome, trisomy 21, and Pena-Shokeir syndrome (fetal akinesia). [35, 36]  

Compression deformities due to prolonged oligohydramnios, contractures, and arthrogryposis may be present. The Potter facies (hypertelorism, epicanthus, retrognathia, depressed nasal bridge, low set ears) suggest the possibility of lung hypoplasia caused by the associated renal defects.

Abdominal masses, such as cystic renal diseases and an enlarged bladder, must be sought. Associated anomalies of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal (eg, tracheoesophageal fistula, imperforate anus, communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation), and genitourinary systems, as well as skeletal anomalies of the vertebrae, thoracic cage, and upper limbs, may be found upon examination. [37]

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