Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome in an East African Patient

Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome (SJMS) is a rare pulmonary disorder characterized by unilateral hypoplasia of pulmonary vasculature, often resulting in emphysema and sometimes bronchiectasis. Although its exact cause remains uncertain, SJMS is believed to be a complication of childhood respiratory infections, such as those caused by respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, Bordetella pertussis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The condition often presents with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, making diagnosis challenging and frequently delayed. We report a case of a 23-year-old Kenyan female with a complex clinical history, including prior tuberculosis treatment and multiple clinic visits over 17 months for symptoms of dyspnea, cough, and weight loss. These nonspecific symptoms made narrowing the differential diagnosis difficult and resulted in a long clinical course. Conservative management remains the primary approach for most SJMS patients; however, surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of recurrent infections or severe pulmonary complications. This case underscores the importance of considering SJMS in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and highlights the need for thorough evaluation and advanced imaging.