Congenital lobar emphysema in an adult

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a clinico-radiological diagnosis, seen usually by four-six weeks of age (50% of patients) and rarely (< 5% of patients) after the age of six months. Here, we report a young male with gradual onset of mild exertional breathlessness and physical examination revealing the features of right sided pneumothorax. X-ray of chest, with subsequent CT of chest, leads to the diagnosis of CLE. The pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopic examination and alpha(1) -antitrypsin level are normal. Patient is managed conservatively.