Massive Congenital Mesenchymal Malformation of the Lung: A Case Report with Ultrastructural Study

Abstract

An unusual congenital tumorous malformation of mesenchymal tissue caused severe respiratory distress in a premature infant. The solid mass, which replaced almost the entire left lung, was composed of interlacing fascicles of spindle cells that percolated through otherwise well-developed fetal lung tissue. The normal anatomic arrangement of bronchial components was altered, but bronchial cartilages were present. Ultrastructural study of the lesion showed mesenchymal cells with fibroblastic differentation.

Key Words:

• congenital malformation
• mesenchymal tissue
• lung
• respiratory distress