Prenatal sonographic characteristics of fetal intra-abdominal extralobal pulmonary sequestration correlated with perinatal outcomes

To evaluate the prenatal characteristics of fetal intra-abdominal extralobal pulmonary sequestration (IEPS) associated with perinatal outcomes. This retrospective study reviewed the prenatal features of fetuses diagnosed with IEPS from 2004 to 2023 at the Asan Medical Center to assess their relationship with perinatal outcomes of IEPS. The analyses compared a regression group, in which the IEPS lesion was reduced or disappeared, with another group in which the lesion remained stationary. IEPS was confirmed in 23 neonates. In the prenatal period, the median size of IEPS was 23.2 mm, and 15 (65%) cases revealed an increase in size. Eleven (48%) cases had a cystic portion in the lesion. All neonates were treated conservatively without surgery. Follow-up examinations after the initial tests were conducted in 20 cases postnatally. The regression group consisted of 11 (55%) cases, and the stationary group had 7 (35%) cases. Two cases increased in size in the follow-up period. The stationary group tends to have a larger IEPS size in the last prenatal examination, revealing an increase in IEPS size in all cases. The cystic portion of the IEPS was less frequently observed in the stationary group (2 cases, 29%). The diaphragmatic defect was more commonly observed in the stationary group (4 cases, 86%). Over half of the cases of IEPS revealed a decrease in the size or disappearance of the lesion postnatally. The lesion tended to remain stationary in the postnatal period in cases where prenatal IEPS revealed an increase in size. These findings may be helpful for prenatal counselling.