Description
This is a lower lobe of the left lung, mounted so that the basal part of each slice is directed towards
the sides of the specimen jar. There are several cavities present; the largest of these is in the
mid-zone of the lung, and measures 5 x 4 cm. There are other cavities arranged along the base of
the lobe, measuring 3, 1.5 and 2 cm. in diameter. Much of the contents have been lost, but were
described as consisting of inspissated khaki-coloured material, some of it putty-like consistency,
and some apparently purulent. Histologically, the cysts were lined by ciliated bronchial epithelium,
and some showed a growth of aspergillus.
History
This young man had a respiratory infection in 1973, and a chest film in 1974 showed
multiple cystic areas in the left lower lobe. In 1976 he had cystic areas in the left lower lobe, and
a respiratory infection with a cough and a little sputum; the chest film showed several spaces with
fluid levels in the lower lobe. A bronchogram was done, and this showed some clouding of the
basal bronchial structures, but no communication to the cystic spaces. A provisional diagnosis of
sequestration was made. Further examination of the specimen showed an aberrant artery entering
the lung in the postero-basal angle. The artery, which was 0.5 cm. in diamter, divided into
numerous branches supplying the sequestrated segment.