Gene expression profiling reveals differential patterns between microcystic congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and congenital lobar emphysema.

•Prenatal differentiation of CLE from a microcystic CCAM is difficult due to their similar sonographic features.•Discovery of molecular indicator has important clinical significance.•Microarray analysis revealed differential expression patterns between the two groups.•We confirmed some differentially expressed genes by qRT-PCR.•The suggestive candidates may serve as potential biomarkers for definitive diagnosis of these lesions.