Extralobar pulmonary sequestration with elevated serum neuron-specific enolase: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE: Pulmonary sequestration (PS) presenting with elevated serum tumor markers is rare, and it might be misdiagnosed as malignancy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 26-year-old asymptomatic male patient was admitted because the x-ray showed an intrathoracic lesion. Meanwhile, the serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was elevated. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed an isolated feeding vessel arising from the aorta. DIAGNOSES: Extralobular PS was confirmed by computed tomography angiography and postoperative pathological staining. INTERVENTIONS: Two-port thoracoscopic resection of the sequestrated lobe was performed. OUTCOMES: The serum NSE decreased to within the normal range and persisted during the follow up of 10 months. LESSONS: A thorough work-up should be considered for the PS patients presenting with abnormal serum NSE. Detailed knowledge regarding the relationship between NSE and PS necessitates further studies.