Case report: Management of acute progressive hemothorax in pregnancy complicated by maternal pulmonary sequestration

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare pulmonary malformation, typically characterized by asymptomatic presentation or recurrent pulmonary infections, with chest pain and hemothorax being exceedingly rare occurrences. The rupture and hemorrhage of maternal pulmonary sequestration during pregnancy pose a life-threatening condition that is challenging to diagnose. We present a case of a 37-year-old pregnant woman in her third trimester who presented with acute progressive hemothorax, a complication arising from maternal pulmonary sequestration. The patient experienced chest pain, which was followed by a decrease in blood pressure, albeit without a concomitant drop in blood oxygen saturation. Within a critical 24-h window, an emergency cesarean section was performed, promptly followed by a right inferior lobectomy. Intraoperative diagnosis confirmed pulmonary sequestration. Fortunately, both the patient and the newborn had a favorable prognosis post-surgery. The diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration in pregnancy is challenging and can present with non-specific symptoms. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for pulmonary sequestration, especially in cases of unexplained chest pain or hemothorax during pregnancy. Timely surgical intervention can be life-saving and is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.