Pulmonary sequestration (author's transl)

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare condition both in children and as in adults. A portion of the lung malformed during early embryological development receives an anomalous systemic arterial supply. The intralobar form is surrounded by normal lung within the visceral pleura and drains its blood into the pulmonary venous system. Extralobar sequestration has its own pleural investment and a systemic venous drainage. Intermediate forms are only partially embedded in normal lung with otherwise separate pleural embedded in normal lung with otherwise separate pleural investment, and classified as hybrid sequestrations. Clinical symptoms are secondary recurrent pulmonary infections especially with intralobar sequestration. The pathologic changes are regularly discovered already on plain roentgenograms of the chest. Extralobar sequestrations may be detected as incidental radiological findings. Angiography is of great diagnostic value to demonstrate the anomalous arteries. The usual treatment consists of excision of the sequestration, segmental resection, or lobectomy. For thoracotomy for a local and long lasting pulmonary process it is recommended to look for anomalous vessels in order to prevent their accidental cut with possible dangerous hemorrhage.