Congenital Lobar Emphysema in Early Adulthood

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare developmental abnormality of the lower respiratory tract. This disease is caused by cartilage or connective tissue defects, leading to overdistention of a pulmonary lobe. CLE is mainly diagnosed in early childhood, though it might be rarely found in young adults. Due to its rarity, it can be misdiagnosed with other conditions. Here we report a case of a previously healthy young female complaining of dyspnea and thoracic pain after a commercial flight. Physical and radiological examinations were consistent with the diagnosis of CLE.