Adult diagnosis of Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome: retrospective analysis of four cases

Respir Care. 2014 Apr;59(4):e51-4. doi: 10.4187/respcare.02552. Epub 2013 Sep 11.

Abstract

Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome (SJMS) is a rare constrictive bronchiolitis with air-flow obstruction and a decreased number and diameter of ipsilateral peripheral pulmonary vessels. This syndrome is characterized by unilateral hyperlucency on chest radiography. Computed tomography provides useful additional information. The diagnosis is usually made in childhood but sometimes occurs in adulthood. The disease often presents with dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, cough, hemoptysis, and recurrent pulmonary infections. SJMS may be confused with asthma or pulmonary embolism due to similar symptoms and may result in inappropriate therapy. This case series examined the clinical and imaging spectrum of four patients who were diagnosed with SJMS in adulthood.

Keywords: Macleod; Swyer-James; pulmonary artery hypoplasia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Bronchiectasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchiolitis Obliterans / diagnosis*
  • Bronchitis / diagnosis
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Cough / etiology
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Female
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung, Hyperlucent / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Artery / abnormalities
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Sounds / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed