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The magic of ultrasound: How to detect CPAM in the fetal period and change the fate of a little life?
In approximately 1 in 30,000 pregnancies each year, a baby may be affected by congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). The condition is usually identified during routine prenatal ultrasounds and is characterized by the presence of an abnormal, bright mass in the fetus' chest. For many fetuses, early detection of CPAM will help the medical team develop an appropriate treatment plan and may even save the baby's life.
CPAM is a congenital condition in which an entire lobe of a lung is replaced by non-functioning cystic abnormalities that never regain normal lung function.
Diagnosis and Identification of CPAM
Ultrasound examination is the main tool for early diagnosis of CPAM. During the examination, your doctor may find features such as an unusually bright lung mass, a displaced heart, a flat or sunken diaphragm, or even no visible lung tissue. These signs can help doctors confirm the presence of CPAM and further analyze the severity of the condition.
Different Types of CPAM
CPAM can be divided into five types based on clinical and pathological characteristics. Among them, CPAM type 1 is the most common, usually accompanied by large cystic masses and has a good prognosis. Meanwhile, CPAM type 2 may have a poor prognosis due to its association with other significant malformations. Other types are relatively rare.
Prognosis and survival rate
According to the latest research, approximately 75% of CPAM patients are asymptomatic at birth. However, when viral infection or pulmonary complications occur, the risk to survival increases. The risk of survival is significantly reduced, especially if the fetus does not develop edema before the 26th week of pregnancy.
However, if non-immune hydrops occurs in the fetus, it almost certainly results in fetal death unless invasive treatment is performed.
Treatment strategies for CPAM
In most cases, a fetus with CPAM will be closely monitored during pregnancy and surgically removed after birth. Many babies who are born without any complications will still need to be monitored for several months after birth. Also, surgery is usually done before the baby is one year old to reduce the risk of repeat infection.
In recent years, scientists have gained a deeper understanding of this disease, and many doctors have performed minimally invasive surgeries to effectively remove diseased tissue with the smallest incisions. Some people with CPAM are able to live full lives without any problems. With the development of prenatal examination technology, more and more patients are aware that they may have CPAM.
Future Development: The Importance of Early Detection
Timely detection of CPAM through prenatal ultrasound provides precious opportunities for too many families. Through the advancement of medical technology, the prognosis of this disease has changed from a tragic past to a hopeful future. In one study, a single antenatal steroid injection was found to increase fetal survival in microcystic CPAM to 75-100%.
Every prenatal checkup may be a turning point in the fate of the mother and fetus, making humans full of imagination about future life.
While exploring and studying congenital pulmonary airway malformations, can we use current medical technology to further improve and extend the chances of survival of those innocent new lives?
