Objective: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM) of the lung usually presents in children, although it has rarely been described in adults. The aim of this study was to review the clinical history and the CT findings in adults with pathologically proven CAM.
Materials and methods: Seven patients between 21 and 61 years of age with pathologically proved CAM were retrospectively identified at three institutions. Thoracic CT was reviewed in all cases.
Results: Six patients presented with recurrent pneumonia and one patient had recurrent pneumothoraces. Five cases were classified as a Type I CAM, and two were classified as Type II CAM. The CAMs were located exclusively in the lower lobes and exerted a mass effect on adjacent lung. They appeared as multiple thin-walled complex cystic masses ranging from 4 to 12 cm in diameter. No other congenital abnormality was identified in any patient.
Conclusion: Cystic adenomatoid malformation in adults is rare. Patients usually present with recurrent pneumonia and a thin-walled lower lobe complex cystic mass. The diagnosis should be suggested on the basis of the clinical and CT findings.