Prenatally diagnosed fetal lung lesions with associated conotruncal heart defects: is there a genetic association?

Prenat Diagn. 2007 Dec;27(12):1123-8. doi: 10.1002/pd.1845.

Abstract

Congenital lung malformation can easily be diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound. Associated extrapulmonary malformations such as heart defects and chromosomal aberrations are rare.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the natural history, outcome and other associated malformations in fetuses with lung lesions and an associated heart defect.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 4 cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal CCAMs and hybrid lesions with an associated heart defect and review of 8 cases in the literature.

Results: At a single referral center 1.9% of the fetuses with Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) were diagnosed with an associated heart defect. Seven of the total 12 cases (58%) reviewed had a conotruncal heart abnormality. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 5 (42%) of the cases.

Conclusion: This retrospective review shows that karyotyping in fetal lung lesions with an associated heart defect or isolated large lung lesions is indicated. It also suggests that there is a subpopulation of fetuses with CCAMs who have conotruncal heart defects. This finding may suggest a common genetic background.

MeSH terms

  • Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Congenital / complications*
  • Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Congenital / genetics*
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies