A rare tale of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration as a cause of hemoptysis not often contemplated: a case report

Abstract

Background A rare congenital malformation of the respiratory tract, bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), may present symptomatically early on in childhood or adolescent years. Adult BPS is typically an incidental finding found on thoracic imaging. There are currently four known types of BPS. Intralobar sequestrations (ILSs) are the most common of them and the most commonly reported form in literature. In our case report, we report of a healthy adult female who presented with hemoptysis that resulted in the diagnosis of the rarest form of BPSs; extralobar sequestration (ELS). One that is not commonly described in literature, especially of one reported in late adulthood. This case report aims to educate and elude clinicians to this rare cause as a differential and guidance on its investigation and management. Case Description In this case report, a 56-year-old woman who presented to an outpatient respiratory clinic after being referred by her general practitioner (GP) of a queried BPS. A thorough workup was done by the respiratory team that derived at the final diagnosis of an ELS. The patient’s autonomy was adhered to along with risks and benefits which resulted in a non-surgical approach to management. One that she remarkably achieved a resolution of her symptoms. Conclusions An awareness and familiarity of this rare disease, ELS, should prompt one to consider its’ diagnosis when no other common causes are apparent. Often the diagnosis can be made radiologically. Treatment of ELSs should depend on multiple factors.