Congenital Lobar Overinflation
Also written as: CLO — Congenital Lobar Overinflation
A neonatal pulmonary lesion characterised by progressive overdistension of one or more lobes due to a check-valve obstruction of the lobar bronchus, formerly called congenital lobar emphysema.
Full Definition
Congenital lobar overinflation (CLO) is the currently preferred term for the condition previously designated 'congenital lobar emphysema,' reflecting that the underlying mechanism is air-trapping and overinflation rather than true emphysematous destruction of alveolar walls. It most commonly affects the left upper lobe and presents in the neonatal period or early infancy with progressive respiratory distress as the overinflated lobe compresses adjacent structures. Aetiology includes intrinsic bronchial cartilage deficiency, extrinsic compression, or may be idiopathic. The pathology report typically documents the grossly hyperinflated lobe and, on microscopy, dilated alveoli with intact septal walls. Editors should update manuscripts that use the outdated term 'congenital lobar emphysema' to 'congenital lobar overinflation' in line with current nomenclature.
Usage
Usage note: 'Congenital lobar emphysema' is now considered a deprecated synonym; manuscripts using this older form should be queried and updated.
In Context
- "The authors should replace all instances of 'congenital lobar emphysema' with 'congenital lobar overinflation' to reflect current WHO nomenclature." — Manuscript editing note
- "Gross examination revealed congenital lobar overinflation of the left upper lobe with mediastinal shift toward the contralateral side." — Paediatric autopsy report