Imaging of congenital lung malformations

Abstract

Congenital lung malformations are a heterogeneous group of anomalies that involve the lungs and tracheobronchial tree (congenital airway pulmonary malformation, bronchial atresia, bronchogenic cyst, congenital lobar overinflation, pulmonary cyst, hamartoma, pulmonary isomerism and azygous lobe), vascular abnormalities (arteriovenous malformations, anomalous pulmonary venous return, pulmonary artery sling, interrupted pulmonary artery, pulmonary varix, pulmonary vein stenosis and pulmonary lymphangiectasia), or frequently both entities (pulmonary sequestration, pulmonary maldevelopment and scimitar syndrome). Advances in diagnostic imaging (including sonography, multi-detector computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography) have increased their detection during both antenatal and postnatal periods, and radiological characterisation, which in turn influence patient counselling and management stratification. An educational illustration of the clinical application in characterisation of these malformations is presented.