PULMONARY SEQUESTRATION IN CHILDREN - 25-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Pulmonary sequestration occurs when some disturbance produces a cystic mass of nonfunctioning lung tissue which lacks normal communication with the tracheobronchial tree. In most cases the sequestered pulmonary tissue receives its blood supply from anomalous systemic vessels. Children (15), 11 boys and 4 girls, ranging in age from 1 day-14 yr are considered with 10 extralobar sequestrations and 5 intralobar pulmonary sequestrations. Although roentgenographic examination of the chest may suggest the diagnosis, conclusive diagnosis can only be obtained by arteriography and/or surgical exploration. Arteriography is strongly advocated in all cases, not only for its diagnostic value, but for its preoperative localization of the aberrant blood vessels that are the major technical concern to the surgeon.