Differential diagnosis of persistent interstitial emphysema and other cystic lesions of the lung

Neonatal interstitial emphysema (IE) may develop as a complication of the respiratory distress syndrome. IE is classified as acute and persistent and as diffuse and local forms. The differential diagnosis of persistent IE and congenital cystic malformations from clinical and imaging data may present problems. The histological pattern of persistent IE has specific features that permit the morphological diagnosis of this condition.