Case Report: Imaging findings of neonatal horseshoe lung with multiple system malformations - Report - MDSpire

Case Report: Imaging findings of neonatal horseshoe lung with multiple system malformations

  • By

  • Weixiu Wang

  • Haiyan Sun

  • Yalan Wu

  • Rongpin Li

  • June 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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Imaging Characteristics of Neonatal Horseshoe Lung Accompanied by Multiple Systemic Anomalies

Background

Horseshoe lung is a rare congenital pulmonary malformation. The coexistence of HL with other systemic anomalies, such as scimitar syndrome and VACTERL association, complicates clinical outcomes and necessitates thorough imaging for effective treatment planning.

Data Highlights

Imaging ModalityFindings
Cardiac UltrasoundPatent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hypertension, right pulmonary artery hypoplasia
Abdominal UltrasoundIntestinal malrotation, abnormal intestinal loop distribution
Thoracoabdominal X-rayScimitar-shaped shadow, double bubble sign indicating duodenal obstruction
Chest CTAFusion of bilateral lower lungs, absence of typical bronchial branching

Key Findings

  • The patient presented with respiratory distress and multiple congenital anomalies.
  • Imaging revealed horseshoe lung with abnormal bronchial branching and pulmonary hypoplasia.
  • Associated conditions included scimitar syndrome and duodenal obstruction.
  • Multiple vertebral anomalies were identified, including butterfly vertebrae.

Clinical Implications

The case highlights the importance of using multiple imaging modalities to assess complex congenital anomalies in neonates. Early and accurate imaging can guide treatment decisions and improve prognostic assessments.

Conclusion

This case study enhances the understanding of horseshoe lung and its associated malformations, emphasizing the need for thorough imaging in managing such complex conditions.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Pediatric Cardiology, 2012 -- Pulmonary Interstitial Glycogenosis: A Potential Overlooked Cause of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns with Congenital Heart Defects?
  2. Pediatric Cardiology, 2025 -- Fetal Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Turner Syndrome Presenting with Nutmeg Lung Pattern on MRI
  3. Pediatric Cardiology, 2021 -- Inverted Cardiac Position with Aortopulmonary Window and Significant Airway Malacia: A Case of Prenatal Diagnosis and Literature Review
  4. Pediatric Cardiology, 2025 -- Proceedings from the 2024 Fetal and Neonatal Cardiac Symposium in Chicago, IL
  5. Imaging spectrum of horseshoe lung: A series of four cases - PMC, 2024
  6. ESR Essentials: imaging of common paediatric pulmonary diseases—practice recommendations by the European Society of Paediatric Radiology | European Radiology, 2024
  7. Imaging spectrum of horseshoe lung: A series of four cases - PMC
  8. ESR Essentials: imaging of common paediatric pulmonary diseases—practice recommendations by the European Society of Paediatric Radiology | European Radiology | Springer Nature Link

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