Pulmonary sequestration. A broad spectrum of bronchopulmonary foregut abnormalities.

We believe the broad clinical, embryological, and radiological spectrum of pulmonary sequestration has not been adequately emphasized. In order to gain clearer understanding of these foregut abnormalities, all cases from the files of three Army Medical Centers were reviewed. Thirty-two patients, the largest single series in the literature, met the criteria for a diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestration. Clinical manifestations varied from no symptoms to recurrent pulmonary infection, hemoptysis, and intrapleural hemorrhage. The presence of symptoms strongly correlated (23/32) with air-containing cystic sequestrations. The embryological and radiological spectra as well as appropriate operative therapy are reviewed.