Diagnosis of an Infected Intrapulmonary Bronchogenic Cyst With an Emphasis on Lung Ultrasound

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an increasingly valuable diagnostic modality for evaluating respiratory disorders in neonates and infants due to its rapid execution, ease of use, and, most importantly, absence of ionizing radiation. The sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and clinical efficiency of LUS make it a key tool in supporting clinical decision-making and improving patient management. LUS demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for identifying lung lesions in both infants and children, particularly lesions abutting the pleura. In this context, we highlight the diagnostic role of LUS in the accurate identification of a cystic pulmonary lesion during childhood. Postnatal LUS findings of an infected intrapulmonary bronchogenic cyst are presented and described in a 21-month-old female infant. Furthermore, these findings are compared across different radiologic modalities. Notably, LUS, computed tomography, and chest radiography show significant similarities in diagnosing an infected intrapulmonary bronchogenic cyst. LUS may serve as a reliable complementary or alternative imaging tool to chest radiography in the assessment of pediatric lung conditions and, in selected cases, could potentially replace unnecessary chest X-rays, thereby helping to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation in the pediatric population.