Congenital Bronchial Atresia

Abstract

Congenital bronchial atresia (CBA) is a benign congenital abnormality in which there is focal atresia of a segmental bronchus with resultant distal endobronchial mucocele (bronchocele) and surrounding hyperlucent lung. Affected patients are typically young and asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is usually incidental. CBA is an imaging diagnosis that may be suspected on radiography but is usually confirmed on chest CT. The typical imaging appearance is a round, tubular or branching, non-enhancing mucocele with surrounding localized hyperlucent lung. Asymptomatic patients require no further imaging or treatment. However, surgical resection of the affected lung can be considered for symptomatic patients with recurrent pulmonary infections.