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Extralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration

Last edited: 4/22/2026

Overview

Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) is a congenital anomaly characterized by a non-functioning lung tissue mass supplied by a systemic artery, distinct from the normal bronchial circulation. Extralobar BPS involves a separate pleural investment, differing from intralobar BPS which remains within the visceral pleura 3.

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Presence of a peripheral lung mass on imaging, often in the lower lobes 3.
  • Recommended Tests: Chest X-ray initially, followed by CT or MRI for detailed anatomy and aberrant vascular supply 13.
  • Aberrant Vessels: Identification of systemic arterial supply to the sequestered tissue is crucial 23.
  • Radiographic Features: Opacity in lower lung fields suggestive of sequestration in pediatric patients 3.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatment: Surgical excision, typically lobectomy or segmentectomy, for definitive treatment 3.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Not typically required unless complications like sepsis or aneurysm are present 2.
  • Surgical Approach: Resection of the sequestered tissue and associated aberrant vessels, especially in cases with vascular anomalies like aneurysms 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Extralobar BPS is less likely to present with symptoms but may require surgical intervention to prevent complications like recurrent sepsis 3.
  • Comorbidities: Cases associated with congenital anomalies (e.g., situs inversus totalis) may require tailored surgical planning 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Suspect BPS in children with unexplained lung opacities, particularly in lower lobes, and confirm with imaging showing systemic arterial supply (Evidence: Moderate 3).
  • Surgical resection is the standard treatment for both intralobar and extralobar BPS to prevent complications (Evidence: Strong 3).
  • Consider congenital anomalies in the diagnostic workup, as they may influence surgical approach (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • References

    1 Barış MM, Gezer NS, Çelik AO, Kılınç O, Balcı P. A case of concomitant intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration and situs inversus totalis. The clinical respiratory journal 2017. link 2 Janssen DP, Schilte PP, De Graaff CS, Van Dijk HA. Bronchopulmonary sequestration associated with an aneurysm of the aberrant artery. The Annals of thoracic surgery 1995. link 3 Telander RL, Lennox C, Sieber W. Sequestration of the lung in children. Mayo Clinic proceedings 1976. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      A case of concomitant intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration and situs inversus totalis.Barış MM, Gezer NS, Çelik AO, Kılınç O, Balcı P The clinical respiratory journal (2017)
    2. [2]
      Bronchopulmonary sequestration associated with an aneurysm of the aberrant artery.Janssen DP, Schilte PP, De Graaff CS, Van Dijk HA The Annals of thoracic surgery (1995)
    3. [3]
      Sequestration of the lung in children.Telander RL, Lennox C, Sieber W Mayo Clinic proceedings (1976)

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