horseshoe lung

Horseshoe lung is one of the rare congenital anomalies of the lung. A band of pulmonary parenchyma is formed extending between the right and left lungs. The pulmonary tissue can be seen either anterior to the aorta or posterior to the pericardium at its caudal aspect.

Epidemiology

Associations

• scimitar syndrome (up to 80% cases)  / congenital pulmonary venolobar syndrome
• cardiac anomalies: dextrocardia
• hypoplastic lung
• diaphragmatic hernia
• pleural lipoma
• aberrant left pulmonary artery (pulmonary sling) 
• bilateral agenesis of upper lobe bronchi

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

Plain radiographs do not play an important role in diagnosing this condition, however, clues of associated diseases can be identified.

CT 

Confirms the diagnosis by demonstrating the presence of lung tissue extending between the lungs and it clearly demonstrates the vascular supply and bronchioles of the connecting tissue.

Siehe auch:

• angeborene Fehlbildungen der Lunge

und weiter:

• Verschmelzungsanomalie