Antenatal diagnosis of extralobar pulmonar sequestration

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Fetal Medicine
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Extralobar pulmonary sequestrations (ELS) are congenital lung malformations characterized by non-functioning lung tissue with anomalous systemic arterial supply and absent bronchial connection.
• Accurate prenatal diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and improved fetal outcomes.

Observation:

• Prenatal ultrasonography reveals ELS as a well-defined, homogeneous, echodense mass.
• Color flow Doppler ultrasonography is pathognomonic for ELS, demonstrating a systemic artery originating from the aorta and supplying the fetal lung lesion.
• Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging aids in diagnosis by visualizing the solid mass and its feeding artery.

Findings:

• This case report details the successful sonographic and MR diagnosis of ELS in a fetus at 22 weeks gestation.
• The findings highlight the utility of advanced imaging techniques in identifying complex fetal anomalies.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of ELS enables timely intervention and surgical planning.
• Improved understanding of ELS imaging characteristics can enhance prenatal detection rates.
• This case contributes to the literature, reinforcing the diagnostic value of ultrasound and MRI in managing fetal lung malformations.