[Pulmonary sequestration in the adult. Diagnostic contribution of angiography]

The diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration is based on demonstration of mal-developed lung tissue, feeding on abnormal systemic level. We investigate the role of angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration in adult patients.

1987 to 1998 we examined 9 patients with suspected pulmonary sequestration who were subsequently submitted to surgery. The patients were 3 women and men; 6 of them were symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic. Six patients were examined with CT of chest and upper abdomen, thoracoabdominal aortography and selective arteriography of the abnormal vessel; one patient also submitted to left angiopneumography. One patient underwent bronchography and another one MRI.

An unquestionable diagnosis was made in 8 cases, namely 6 of intralobar and 2 of extralobar sequestration, and confirmed surgically. The only questionable case was diagnosed at histology as extralobar pulmonary sequestration atypically fed by thin branches from the left diaphragmatic artery.

Angiography demonstrated the abnormal arterial feeding typical of pulmonary sequestration in all cases but one. The evidence of venous drainage was the key sign to diagnose extra-versus intralobar sequestration. Therefore we conclude that angiography remains an essential tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration, notwithstanding the great potentials of Helical CT of MR angiography.