Pulmonary sequestration--a review of 8 cases treated with lobectomy

Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital malformation where non-functioning lung tissue is separated from the bronchial tree and vascularised with an aberrant artery from the systemic circulation. The aim of this report was to study all patients who were treated for PS at Lund University Hospital between 1994 and 2004, with emphasis on clinical presentation of the disease and evaluate the results of surgical treatment.

8 cases were identified, 7 females and one male, with a mean age of 7.3 years (range 25 days -17 years) at the time of diagnosis.

Out of 8 patients, seven presented with respiratory symptoms and two with congestive heart failure. Five patients had other congenitial malformations; including scimitar syndrome and congenital heart disease. All the patients underwent a successful lobectomy. There were no major postoperative complications. At a medium follow-up of 77 months all of the fully treated children were doing well.

Respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms are the most common symptoms related to PS. The wide range of clinical symptoms may cause diagnostic problems, especially in children and young adults with concomitant congenital heart disease. Therefore PS should be considered as a differential diagnosis in children with unexplained respiratory symptoms or with signs of congestive heart failure. In patients with PS, lobectomy seems to be a good therapeutic option.