Neonatal COVID-19 with Atypical Lung Cystic Lesions Mimicking Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation – A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic is a major public health emergency that has affected every part of society worldwide, including neonates with different clinical presentations. It is essential to differentiate between increased incidence of complications related to this infection rather than an underlying congenital etiology. We report a rare case with atypical lung cystic lesions, diagnosed initially as congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) with management controversy but which turned out to be a COVID-19 viral pneumonia complication. Clinical tolerance and proper uses of radiological modalities are crucial to achieving better outcomes for patients. The literature is still missing reports on this topic and needs more studies to provide conclusive, evidence-based practice of this emerging neonatal viral infection. Vigilance in neonates with COVID-19 infection is highly recommended.

Keywords:

• SARS‐CoV‐2
• pneumonia
• congenital pulmonary airway malformations

Data Sharing Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Informed Consent Statement

Written informed consent has been obtained from the patient’s parents to publish this paper.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was approved by the Jazan Health Ethics Committee (approval number 22115 dated 6 November 2022).

Disclosure

The author declares no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no external funding.