Value of enhanced CT scan and postprocessing techniques in diagnosing pulmonary sequestration

Abstract

Objective To explore the value of enhanced CT scan and postprocessing techniques in the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration. Methods 18 patients that had been proven pulmonary sequestration by operation and pathology were retrospectively reviewed with their enhanced CT scan and postprocessing images. Results 16 patients displayed intralobar sequestration, and 2 extralobar sequestration. 14 patients had lesions in left lower lung and 4 in right lung. Solid mass was found in 3 cases, cystic solid mass in 11 cases, cystic lesion in 1 cases, thickening of blood vessels and cord shadow in 3 cases. 2 cases of feeding artery from the upper abdominal aorta, the other 16 cases from the lower thoracic aorta, including multiple arterial artery in 3 cases, 15 cases of single artery. 16 cases were drained to the ipsilateral pulmonary vein, 1 case was drained to the half-vein, 1 case was double venous drainage (pulmonary vein, odd vein). 18 cases can be a complete display of abnormal blood supply and drainage veins of the whole picture. Conclusion Enhanced CT scan and post-processing technology can clearly show abnormal blood supply arteries and draining veins in the lesion. It is of great clinical value in the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration and can replace angiography as the best method to diagnose the disease. Key words: Pulmonary sequestration; Enhanced CT; Postprocessing techniques