Pulmonary Sequestration

Pulmonary sequestration is a congenital abnormality consisting of a cystic or solid mass of non-functioning tissue. The tissue consists of lung tissue that is separated from the bronchus (airway). It may be associated with other congenital anomalies.

Types

• Intrapulmonary
  • Usually diagnosed later in childhood or adolescence, but it can present early
  • Recurrent infections are the most common problem
  • Cystic masses can compress normal lung tissue
• Extrapulmonary
  • Most often discovered in infancy, but it can be found coincidentally
  • Infants may present with chronic cough or respiratory distress
  • May have no symptoms
  • Are often associated with other anomalies

Symptoms

• Persistent dry cough
• Recurrent infections
• Respiratory distress
• No symptoms

Treatment

• Intrapulmonary
  • Complete resection of the lobe of the lung is the most common treatment
  • Partial resection of the lobe of the lung, with removal of only the sequestration, may be possible
• Extrapulmonary
  • Resection of the lesion is generally sufficient