Mediastinal and hilar soft tissue mass‐like lesions in congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia: A retrospective review of seven pediatric patients

Abstract

Background Congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia (CUPVA) is known to lead to the formation of an abnormal confluent mediastinal and hilar soft tissue mass, thoracic hypoplasia, and interlobular septal thickening on the affected side. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the frequency and severity of mediastinal soft tissue mass‐like lesions and examine other abnormal findings associated with CUPVA. Methods We retrospectively reviewed seven children with CUPVA who underwent contrast‐enhanced CT scans and measured the soft tissue mass volume in the bilateral mediastinum (affected and normal side). The location of abnormal soft tissue was divided into three anatomical sections (paratracheal, peribronchial, and the dorsal aspect of the left atrium). The relationships among soft tissue volume and anatomical section were statistically evaluated. Also, the presence of thoracic hypoplasia, small ipsilateral pulmonary arteries, interlobular septal thickening, and ground‐glass opacities were investigated. Results In all cases, CT scans confirmed the presence of confluent soft tissue mass‐like lesions in the affected mediastinum. The soft tissue volume on the affected side was 5.5‐fold greater than the volume on the normal side (average: 18.0 cm³ and 4.25 cm³ respectively, p < 0.01). Thoracic hypoplasia and interlobular septal thickening were found in all patients. Small pulmonary arteries and ground‐glass opacities were present in six of the seven patients. Conclusion Abnormal mediastinal and hilar soft tissue is commonly found in patients with CUPVA. So, if we encounter the mediastinal soft tissue mass in patients with CUPVA, no further test will be indicated.