Frequently Asked Questions About CPAM
How is a CPAM diagnosed?
A CPAM is detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound. A fetal MRI or fetal echocardiogram may also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Learn more about fetal MRIs and fetal echocardiograms at CHOC.
During the pregnancy, the fetus will grow, and the mass may get smaller or disappear. In some cases, the mass may get larger. Your baby’s doctor will pay close attention to see if this happens. Most babies will be carried to term and have normal development and lung function.
If your baby has been diagnosed with a CPAM, we would be happy to schedule a consultation with your family and one of our top surgeons, as well as a CHOC neonatologist and your perinatologist, to prepare for the birth and subsequent care of your baby.
How is CPAM treated?
Most babies with a small CPAM are born with no symptoms and can go home after a few days in the hospital. Surgery to remove the CPAM is usually performed when a baby is three to six months old. This is done through an operation in the chest, and the part of the lung that contains the CPAM is removed.
In rare cases, a large CPAM can cause amniotic fluid to accumulate in the fetus, which causes the fetus to have heart failure. This condition is called hydrops. A CPAM can be so large that it prevents the fetus’ lungs from developing, causing pulmonary hypoplasia, or small lungs. In these rare cases, the baby may need surgery in the womb or may need to be delivered early depending on how far the pregnancy has progressed.
Your perinatologist, a specialist in fetal and maternal medicine, will discuss your delivery plans. Your baby should be born at a hospital with close access to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that has extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) available, which will help your baby’s heart and lungs function if the condition is severe. The CHOC NICU is designated a Level 4 NICU—the highest level available because of the complex conditions we treat—and we are the only hospital in Orange County to provide ECMO for children. Learn more about our NICU.
What is the long-term outlook for babies with a CPAM?
The outlook for babies who have a CPAM removed is very good. They usually have no limitations on their activities and have no increased risk for respiratory problems.
When it comes to surgery, babies present a unique challenge because of their small size and complex conditions. Their health can change in an instant, requiring quick action and expertise.
