A fighter pilot case of pulmonary sequestration.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital malformation. The diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration is based on the identification of an abnormal arterial supply. Conventional treatment for pulmonary sequestration is surgical removal of the tissue, which may induce serious trauma and requires a long recovery time. Recently, endovascular treatment has become feasible as a safer and less invasive method to treat pulmonary sequestration.

CASE REPORT: To the best of our knowledge, pulmonary sequestration has not been reported in pilots. In this study, we report a fighter pilot case of intralobar pulmonary sequestration detected with the assistance of spiral computed tomography (CT) and digital subtraction angiography. The young fighter pilot had experienced recurrent hemoptysis and pulmonary infections for approximately 10 yr before the pulmonary sequestration was diagnosed. We performed a transcatheter arterial embolization and a subsequent CT angiography confirmed complete infarction of the sequestration. After the treatment, no clinical complications were observed and the patient, with normal lung function restored, was qualified to serve as a fighter pilot again.

DISCUSSION: Compared with conventional removal surgery, endovascular treatment is a superior treatment for pulmonary sequestration in a fighter pilot in maintenance of pilot qualification.