Extrathoracic pulmonary sequestration detected by antenatal ultrasonography

Abstract

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) is an uncommon congenital anomaly in which the sequestered tissue is found outside the normal lung and is invested with its own pleural covering. We describe an unusual case of ELS presenting as an abdominal mass detected incidentally during antenatal ultrasonography. At birth, the otherwise healthy 3050 gram fullterm female had an asymptomatic ELS located posteriorly between the right hemidiaphragm and the liver. Extensive investigation culminating in exploratory surgery and resection of the mass yielded the diagnosis. This condition might be more common than is presently recognized, and familiarity with its appearance on antenatal ultrasound should lead to refinement in its diagnosis and management.