Purpose: To describe the natural course of extralobar pulmonary sequestration (EPS) and identify factors associated with spontaneous regression of EPS.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively searched for patients diagnosed with EPS on initial contrast CT scan within 1 month after birth and had a follow-up CT scan without treatment. Spontaneous regression of EPS was assessed by percentage decrease in volume (PDV) and percentage decrease in sum of the diameter of systemic feeding arteries (PDD) by comparing initial and follow-up CT scans. Clinical and CT features were analysed to determine factors associated with PDV and PDD rates.
Results: Fifty-one neonates were included. The cumulative proportions of patients reaching PDV > 50 % and PDD > 50 % were 93.0 % and 73.3 % at 4 years, respectively. Tissue attenuation was significantly associated with PDV rate (B = -21.78, P < .001). The tissue attenuation (B = -22.62, P = .001) and diameter of the largest systemic feeding arteries (B = -48.31, P = .011) were significant factors associated with PDD rate.
Conclusion: The volume and diameter of systemic feeding arteries of EPS spontaneously decreased within 4 years without treatment. EPSs showing a low tissue attenuation and small diameter of the largest systemic feeding arteries on initial contrast-enhanced CT scans were likely to regress spontaneously.
Key points: • Extralobar pulmonary sequestration (EPS) could show spontaneous regression. • Initial CT features may predict spontaneous regression of EPS. • The tissue attenuation and diameter of systemic feeding artery are important factors.
Keywords: Computed tomography; Extralobar pulmonary sequestration; Natural course; Neonate; Spontaneous regression.