Abstract
Congenital lobar emphysema is a congenital malformation characterized by overdistension of affected lobe without lung parenchyma abnormality. It can manifest in the neonatal period or later, depending on the number of lobes involved. Bilateral involvement is rare; in general, hyperinflation occurs more commonly in the left upper lobe. The diagnosis is clinical, confirmed by chest X-ray and computed tomography. Bronchoscopy can help especially in the differential diagnosis of foreign body and mucous plugs. This procedure can also be able to define the pathogenesis of congenital lobar emphysema identifying bronchial anomalies. In most of the cases the treatment is surgical being necessary the excision of the affected lobe. In some cases, when there are mild or no symptoms the management can be conservative. The aim of this study is to report a case of nonsurgical congenital lobar emphysema and its 13-year-follow up.