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[Pulmonary sequestration in infants: diagnosis and therapy exemplified by a newborn infant]
E Trowitzsch1, H Blessenohl, P Brode
1Kardiologische und radiologische Abteilung der Vestischen Kinderklinik Datteln.
Insights
Infants with lung sequestration often face chronic infections. This case highlights a rare diagnosis in an infant, successfully treated with surgery despite initial imaging challenges, preventing future complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pulmonology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Intralobar and extralobar lung sequestrations are congenital lung malformations.
- These conditions commonly present with recurrent respiratory infections in infants.
Observation:
- A case study of an infant presenting with a triangular opacity on chest X-ray, located retrocardially.
- Initial diagnostic imaging, including lung scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT), was inconclusive.
- Invasive angiography was required to definitively diagnose the lung sequestration.
Findings:
- Definitive diagnosis of lung sequestration was achieved through invasive angiography.
- Despite the absence of symptoms, the infant underwent preventive surgical resection.
- The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no complications.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering lung sequestration in infants with unclear retrocardiac lung opacities.
- Early and accurate diagnosis, even when challenging, is crucial for timely intervention.
- Preventive surgery in asymptomatic infants can avert potential future respiratory complications associated with lung sequestration.
Abstract:
Infants with intra- or extralobular lung-sequestrations normally suffer from chronic infections. In our case an infant is described who had a triangular area in chest X-rays behind the heart. Lung scintigraphy and computer-tomography could not commit the diagnosis. Only invasive angiography showed the sequestration. Although without symptoms the baby was operated preventively. Postoperative course was without complications.