Extralobar pulmonary sequestration with hemorrhagic infarction in a child: preoperative imaging diagnosis and pathological correlation

Torsion of Extralobar Pulmonary Sequestration Presenting as Posterior Mediastinal Mass

Torsion of extralobar pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital anomalous condition that can manifest with various symptoms, including abdominal pain. However, a masslike lesion in the mediastinum can be easily overlooked when the clinician focuses only on abdominal pain. By using magnetic resonance imaging, a few features specific to the torsion of extralobar pulmonary sequestration can be identified, and that information will be helpful.

Posterior mediastinal extralobar pulmonary sequestration in a neonate with pulmonary artery supply: a case report

This paper reports a rare case of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in the posterior mediastinum of a neonate with arterial supply from the pulmonary artery. A 3-day-old male neonate was diagnosed with type II congenital pulmonary airway malformation after prenatal color Doppler ultrasonography showed a lesion with blood supply from the pulmonary artery in the left lung. Post-birth chest computed tomography(CT) showed that the lesion was located in the posterior mediastinum with low density change, mild stripe enhancement after contrast, and no obvious blood supply vessels. A neurogenic tumor was considered for the preoperative diagnosis. The mass was removed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. During the surgery, the mass was observed to be a dark red solid lump with a feeding vessel originating from the pulmonary artery. The postoperative histopathological diagnosis was extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Combined with the preoperative imaging results, it was considered that the nourishing vessels might have intermittent torsion. The patient recovered well after surgery, and no recurrence was observed after 6 months of follow-up. Therefore, the possibility of extralobar pulmonary sequestration cannot be ruled out for posterior mediastinal masses that are not supplied by the descending aorta or without identified feeding vessels.

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration in children with abdominal pain: Four case reports

BACKGROUND

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) with torsion is extremely rare, consequently, the diagnosis of ELS with torsion in children presents a challenge for clinicians. Herein, we report four cases of ELS with torsion that presented with abdominal pain, and further review the relevant literature to summarize the clinical features.

CASE SUMMARY

Four children presented to our department with abdominal pain. All underwent chest computed tomography, which revealed an intrathoracic soft tissue mass with pleural effusion. All four children underwent thoracoscopic resection of the identified pulmonary sequestration, and the vascular pedicle was clipped and excised. None of the patients experienced any postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should consider the possibility of ELS with torsion in children presenting with abdominal pain as the chief complaint.

A seven-month-old baby presenting excessive crying for pulmonary sequestration with torsion: A case report and literature review

Pulmonary sequestration with torsion is a rare condition. We describe a seven-month-old baby presenting excessive crying for pulmonary sequestration with torsion. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography demonstrated an oval-shaped mass in the posteromedial right lower chest, no systemic arterial supply was evident. The edge of the mass showed slight linear reinforcement, and its interior had no reinforcement. Thoracoscopic segmentectomy was carried out and histology confirmed pulmonary sequestration with torsion.

Recognition of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration during lung resection

BACKGROUND

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration is located outside the lung parenchyma and is covered by a separated pleural sac, which comprises approximately 25% of all pulmonary sequestration.

CASE PRESENTATION

This article reported one case of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration originated from the mesoesophagus, which was recognized and excised during a lung resection. Histologic examination revealed an ectopic lung tissue with hyperplasia of bronchioles, which was accord with an extralobar pulmonary sequestration.

CONCLUSIONS

CT angiogram, ultrasound and MRI can be used to clarify the diagnosis and detect the abnormal feeding arteries of extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Carefulness should be taken while dissecting and ligating the potential feeding arteries. Endovascular occlusion might be an alternative option to surgery.

Imaging Features of Uncommon Entities That Manifest with Torsion

Torsion is the twisting of an object along the axis, and various structures (organs and tumors) in the body can twist. Torsion causes initial lymphatic and venous outflow obstruction, leading to congestive edema, enlargement, venous hemorrhagic infarction, and surrounding edema. It can also cause subsequent arterial obstruction depending on the degree of torsion, leading to ischemia, infarction, necrosis, gangrene, and surrounding inflammation. Therefore, in several cases of torsion, immediate surgical intervention is required to improve blood flow and prevent serious complications. Clinical manifestations of torsion are often nonspecific and can affect individuals of varying ages and sex. Imaging plays an important role in the early diagnosis and management of torsion. Multiple imaging modalities, including US, radiography, CT, and MRI, are used to evaluate torsion, and each modality has its specific characteristics. The imaging findings reflect the pathophysiologic mechanism: a twisted pedicle (whirlpool sign), enlargement of the torsed structures, reduced blood flow, internal heterogeneity, and surrounding reactive changes. The whirlpool sign is a definitive characteristic of torsion. In some cases, despite poor internal enhancement, capsular enhancement is observed on contrast-enhanced CT and MR images and is considered to be associated with preserved capsular arterial flow or capsular neovascularization due to inflammation. Radiologists should be familiar with the pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and imaging characteristics of torsion in various structures in the body. Since other articles about common organ torsions already exist, the authors of this article focus on the uncommon entities that manifest with torsion. ©RSNA, 2024.

Clinical analysis of extralobar pulmonary sequestration with torsion in children: report of 6 cases

Background

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration is an uncommon congenital pulmonary malformation. Clinically, pedicle torsion of extralobar pulmonary sequestration is extremely rare. Due to inadequate awareness of its atypical presentation and imaging characteristics, clinical diagnosis is very difficult, and it is extremely easy to misdiagnose.

Case presentation

There were 6 children (3 males and 3 females), aged 3–12 years old. The main clinical symptoms of the children were abdominal and chest pain (3 cases), abdominal pain (1 case), chest pain (1 case), and vomiting and abdominal distension (1 case). Two cases were accompanied by fever. Preoperative ultrasound revealed a well-bordered mass with soft-tissue density, accompanied by pleural effusion. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans, the mass showed no obvious enhancement. A blood supply was only present in 1 case, and there was no feeding artery shown in the other 5 cases. Extralobar pulmonary sequestration with haemorrhagic infarction was pathologically confirmed. On postoperative days 2–6, the children were discharged uneventfully. There were no complications during the median follow-up of 4 months.

Conclusions

Torsed extralobar pulmonary sequestration usually occurs in childhood or adolescence, with abdominal and/or chest pain as the primary symptoms. Imaging examination shows a well-defined soft-tissue mass without enhancement. The feeding vessel is not clearly displayed in the mass, and extralobar pulmonary sequestration is accompanied by varying amounts of pleural effusion. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection is associated with excellent prognosis.

A rare case of torsion and infarction of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration with MR, CT, and surgical correlation

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital pulmonary malformation that may present early in life or remain asymptomatic. Here we present a case of torsion of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration on its vascular pedicle. Although the patient's initial symptomatology suggested intraabdominal pathology, the correct preoperative diagnosis was determined in large part by the lesion's MRI characteristics, which strongly suggested tissue infarction.

The clinical management of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in children

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) remains divergent. This study aims to demonstrate the characters of ELS in children for optimal clinical management in the future.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted for ELS patients' treatment in our center from January 2013 to April 2020.

RESULTS

In total, 85 patients were included, containing 70 upper-diaphragmatic, 7 intra-diaphragmatic, and 8 infra-diaphragmatic ELS. Eight patients' pathology results showing inflammation without symptoms preoperation and two patients had chest pain for torsion. All the upper-diaphragmatic and intra-diaphragmatic ELS patients accepted thoracoscopic surgery resection. The intraoperative operation time and blood loss volume of intra-diaphragmatic ELS were significantly more than that of the upper-diaphragmatic (40.14 ± 9.92  vs. 23.07 ± 6.79 min; 9.29 ± 3.45  vs. 3.18 ± 4.94 ml; all p < .05). No chest tubes were inserted in both subgroups. No complications were found in the postoperative follow-up of operative ELS patients at least 3 months. A total of eight infra-diaphragmatic ELS patients except for one (7/8) had conservative therapy and follow-up by the outpatient clinic or phone call eventually. There were no symptoms occurring and no size increasing of observation infra-diaphragmatic ELS.

CONCLUSIONS

The ELS has the potential risk of infection and torsion in this study. Thoracoscopic surgery might be optimal management of upper-diaphragmatic ELS for its minimal invasion and low perioperative risks, which could be developed into a day operation with safe and quick recovery. The intra-diaphragmatic and infra-diaphragmatic ELS need a larger sample size and multiple center data to get a better management approach.

Thoracoscopic treatment of a rare bilateral extralobar lung sequestration in a 3-years old girl

Majority of sequestrations fall into two categories: Intra-Lobar (ILS) and Extra-Lobar (ELS). Rarely the abnormal lung could be attached to the gastrointestinal tract, Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation (BPFM). We described a case of a girl of 3-years-old with antenatal diagnosis of left intrathoracic mass of the inferior lobe. Postnatal Computed-Tomography (CT) revealed a bilateral ELS with an isthmic bridge crossing the vertebral spine. She follows a MRI follow-up at 18months/30months confirming the lesion. Before surgery, a three-dimensional-CT-angiography was performed to study the mass, its blood supply and to plan surgery. She underwent to thoracoscopic resection. Two aberrant blood vessels were dissected from the thoracic aorta and ligated. The postoperative course was uneventful. She was discharged after 3 days. The rarity of our case is due to the bilateral extension. An appropriate preoperatory imaging study is necessary for the success of surgery while thoracoscopy is particularly appropriate in surgical treatment.

Pulmonary sequestration: What the radiologist should know

Pulmonary sequestration consists of a nonfunctioning mass of lung tissue, either sharing the pleural envelope of the normal lung (intralobar) or with its own pleura (extralobar), lacking normal communication with the tracheobronchial tree and receiving its arterial supply by one or more systemic vessels. It is the second most common congenital lung anomaly according to pediatric case series, but its real prevalence is likely to be underestimated, and imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment management of the condition and its potential complications. We will give a brief overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and imaging findings of intra- and extralobar pulmonary sequestration, with particular reference to multidetector computed tomography as part of a powerful and streamlined diagnostic approach.

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration with a complication of torsion: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Pulmonary sequestration is a congenital abnormality of the lower airway. It is characterized by a nonfunctioning mass of lung tissue that lacks normal communication with the tracheobronchial tree or pulmonary arteries and always receives its arterial blood supply from the systemic circulation. Most cases of extralobar pulmonary sequestrations (ELSs) are asymptomatic and found incidentally or in prenatal ultrasound screening.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 10-year-old boy had severe chest pain and vomiting for 2 days.

DIAGNOSES

ELS was diagnosed, and torsion of the ELS had developed as a complication.

INTERVENTIONS

In video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the ELS was resected.

OUTCOMES

The clinical symptoms were relieved the 2nd day after surgery and did not recur over a follow-up period of 3 months.

LESSONS

In young patients with sudden abdominal pain or chest pain, in whom computed tomography shows a well-defined mass of homogeneous soft-tissue density in the thorax, ELS with torsion should be suspected. The presence of a feeding artery greatly supports the diagnosis of ELS, and the absence of this classic finding may indicate torsion of the pulmonary sequestration.

Non-operative management of extralobar pulmonary sequestration: a safe alternative to resection?

PURPOSE

This retrospective cohort study compares the natural history of patients with extralobar sequestrations (ELS) who do not undergo intervention with those who undergo resection to assess the safety of non-operative management.

METHODS

126 patients with pulmonary sequestrations or congenital pulmonary airway malformations born between 1999 and 2016 were identified. 49 patients had ELS on postnatal imaging, but two were excluded for associated congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively reviewed, with phone follow-up for non-operative patients with no records for > 1 year. Statistical analysis was by Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test (two-tailed p < 0.05).

RESULTS

40% (19/47) were managed non-operatively and 60% (28/47) underwent resection. Non-operative patients were less likely to have an intrathoracic ELS: 47% (9/19) vs. 75% (21/28), p = 0.07. No symptoms were attributable directly to the ELS. Non-operative patients had median follow-up 3.2 years, during which time 88% (15/17) of ELS decreased in size on serial imaging. For patients who underwent resection, there was 100% concordance between imaging and intraoperative findings. There was no evidence of inflammation, infection or malignancy on final pathology, though 57% (16/28) of resected lesions had foci of non-aerated cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further longitudinal study is required, this study supports the safety of non-operative ELS management.

Infarction of torsed extralobar pulmonary sequestration in adolescence

Torsion of pulmonary extralobar sequestration is extremely rare in childhood and adolescence, and as it presents with a variety of symptoms ranging from intermittent pain to fever from infarction, differential diagnosis is necessary. Herein, we report a rare case of 13-year-old girl who presented with abdominal pain and fever was diagnosed as infarction of torsed extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Torsed extralobar pulmonary sequestration was removed by thoracoscopic surgery, and the patient remained in good clinical condition.

Torsion of right lung sequestration mimicking a posterior mediastinal mass presenting as acute abdomen: Usefulness of MR imaging

A 15-year-old boy with extralobar sequestration torsion is presented, who presented as an acute abdomen. Chest X-ray and computed tomography on admission revealed an apparent posterior mediastinal mass on the right side at the lower thoracic vertebral level. MR imaging, however, clearly showed scanty fluid around the mass and the subpleural fat layer between the vertebral body and the mass, suggesting its extrapulmonary and intrapleural cavity location. Its hemorrhagic nature was also suggested by the reduced signal on the in-phase as compared to out-of-phase chemical shift images, which helped make correct preoperative diagnosis.

Role of CT angiography in bilateral pulmonary sequestration: a case report

Bilateral pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a very rare congenital malformation. We describe a case of bilateral intralobar pulmonary sequestration (ILS) in a newborn. Both sequestrations received arterial supply from separate branches of the descending aorta and venous drainage was into ipsilateral inferior pulmonary veins. Prenatal ultrasonography showed cystic changes in the lungs. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) with supplemental two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images was performed to clearly define the pathology and revealed bilateral intralobar pulmonary sequestration with aberrant blood supply. The child underwent successful video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) lobectomy on the left side and thoracoscopic wedge resection on the right side. There were no complications. CTA with supplemental 2D and 3D images plays a vital role in revealing the exact pathology in congenital pulmonary malformations associated with anomalous vasculature.

Risk analysis and outcomes of bronchopulmonary sequestrations

BACKGROUND

Researched and discussed the risks and outcomes of bronchopulmonary sequestrations, especially the intralobar type.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our experiences with bronchopulmonary sequestrations from January 2012 to April 2015 is reported. The present study researched and discusses the risks and outcomes of bronchopulmonary sequestrations, especially the intralobar type, compared with other types of bronchopulmonary sequestrations in symptoms, surgery, pathology, and excretion.

RESULTS

A total of 126 bronchopulmonary sequestrations were diagnosed. All fetal chest cases (18-30 weeks) of solid or high-echo masses were diagnosed antenatally and then confirmed by ultrasound. Enhanced computed tomography was used to confirm the diagnosis. Eighty-three boys and 43 girls were included. The mean age at surgery was 4.2 ± 0.5 months. There were 103 cases of left, 22 cases of right, and 1 case of bilateral sequestration. There were 62 extralobar cases, 51 intralobar cases, 13 cases within the diaphragm, and a rare bilateral case. A preoperative history of recurrent respiratory tract infection was present in 39 cases, including 10 extralobar and 29 intralobar cases. Operations were completed successfully, and diagnoses were confirmed pathologically. Thirty-seven cases were associated with congenital bronchopulmonary malformation changes, of which 4 were extralobar, 31 were intralobar, and 2 were within the diaphragm.

CONCLUSIONS

The intralobar type was relatively uncommon among bronchopulmonary sequestrations. However, due to communication with normal lung tissue, infection is common in the intralobar type. Computed tomography examinations are very important immediately after birth. It is necessary to resect the mass in early childhood.