Developmental lung anomalies in adults: A pictorial review

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Pediatric Radiology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Developmental lung anomalies are diverse abnormalities of lung parenchyma and vasculature, typically presenting in early life.
• A significant number of cases remain undiagnosed in childhood, manifesting in adulthood with incidental findings or recurrent respiratory infections.
• Defects in tracheobronchial tree and pulmonary vasculature development are implicated in their pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the spectrum of developmental lung anomalies in adults.
• To review their etiopathogenesis, clinical, and radiographic presentations.
• To briefly outline management strategies for these rare conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of developmental lung anomalies.
• Classification of anomalies into bronchopulmonary, vascular, and combined categories.
• Discussion of clinical and imaging findings in adult patients.

Main Results:

• Developmental lung anomalies are categorized into bronchopulmonary (e.g., congenital bronchial atresia, bronchogenic cysts), vascular (e.g., pulmonary artery sling, anomalous pulmonary venous return), and combined types (e.g., scimitar syndrome, bronchopulmonary sequestration).
• Adult presentation often poses diagnostic challenges, frequently being mistaken for other pathologies.
• Rarity and varied presentations contribute to diagnostic difficulties in the adult population.

Conclusions:

• Developmental lung anomalies encompass a wide range of conditions affecting lung development.
• Recognition and accurate diagnosis in adults are crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate interventions.
• Understanding the spectrum, presentation, and management is essential for clinicians encountering these rare conditions.