[The radiologic picture of pulmonary sequestration. Evaluation of 11 of our own cases and 123 cases published in the literature]

Abstract

Pulmonary sequestration is an extremely rare malformation and most reported series are therefore small. For this reason an attempt has been made to review our own cases and those reported in the literature in order to describe the radiological appearances and to distinguish between the intralobar and extralobar types. 85% of pulmonary sequestrations are localised in the lower zones, with a distinct preference for the left side. 28% of intralobar sequestrations have a homogeneous appearance, 33% are inhomogeneous and 39% are cystic; 77% of extralobar sequestrations are homogeneous and 23% are cystic. Extralobar sequestrations never showed an inhomogeneous appearance. There was a difference in the manifestations of the two forms: 75% of intralobar and 59% of extralobar sequestrations were symptomatic. Distinction between the two types of sequestration could not be based on their arterial supply nor on their venous drainage.