Diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration by spiral CT angiography

The diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration traditionally requires arteriograp hy to identify abnormal systemic vessels feeding the abnormal portion of th e lung. Non-invasive imaging techniques have recently been used to replace arteriography. Conventional computed tomographic (CT) scanning is, however, at a disadvantage because of its inability to obtain multiplanar images. T he combination of slip ring CT scanning and computerised three-dimensional reconstruction (spiral CT angiography) can be used to visualise the anatomi cal detail of a wide range of vessels within the lung. Four cases of pulmon ary sequestration are reported which were successfully diagnosed using spir al CT angiography. Spiral CT scanning allows simultaneous imaging of anomal ous vessels and lung parenchyma in a single examination and is particularly useful in the diagnosis and assessment of pulmonary sequestration.