Adult cervical lung herniation: Importance of valsalva manoeuvre in imaging

Sir,

A 52-year-old malepresented at our outpatient department for evaluation for thyroid nodule in the right lobe. He incidentally noticed swelling on the lower neck on coughing or forceful expiration for last 2months. He was a nonsmoker andhad no history of long standing cough or any hernia at other sites. On examination, a swelling was confirmed in the right lower neck when the Valsalva manoeuvre was performed [Figure 1] clinical photograph at rest and with Valsalva,]. In addition, pulsatility was seen on the left neck supraclavicular region due to displaced subclavian artery pulsations. Computed tomographic (CT) evaluation with Valsalva manoeuvre was performed keeping a differential diagnosis of laryngocele. Cervical lung herniation was excellently depicted with Valsalva CT acquisition [Figure 2]; coronal panels D and sagittal, panel E images] in comparison to images without Valsalva [Figure 2]; coronal images, panels A andC]. In addition, CT depicted bilateral cervical ribs (arrows) and arthrosis of the left cervical rib with exostosis from the superior surface of the first rib. Laboratory investigations revealed euthyroid state, and other investigations including routine chest X-ray were within normal limits. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) ofthyroid nodule done under ultrasound guidance confirmed itsbenign nature. Patient is on conservative treatment.

Figure 1 (A and B): (A) Photograph of the patient at rest. (B) Photograph of the patient with Valsalva

Figure 2 (A-F): Cervical lung herniation was excellently depicted with Valsalva CT acquisition on Ray sum projection neck and upper chest without and with valsalva (A and B) CT coronal reformat without and with valsalva (C and D), sagittal reformat with valsalva (E). Volume rendered image (F) depicting bilateral cervical ribs(arrows) and arthrosis of left cervical rib with exostosis from superior surface of first rib (arrow head)

Discussion

Spontaneous herniation of the lung, a congenital defect, is extremely uncommon and is defined as protrusion of the lung beyond the confines of the thoracic cavity. Apical lung herniation is a very unusual cause of lower neck swelling.

Normally, apex of the lung is confined at the thoracic inlet by adiaphragm-like thick deep cervical fascia, also known as Sibson’s fascia or suprapleural membrane. This fascia originates from the transverse process of the seventh cervical vertebrae and inserts along the inner border of the first rib and costal cartilage blending into endothoracic fascia and parietal pleura alongthe periphery. It is reinforcedby the scalenus minimus muscle and three superficial bands arising from prevertebral fascia (vertebromembranous with a C7 and T1 origin, the transversomembranous with a C7 origin, and costomembranous with an origin at the neck of the first rib). All three insert on the first rib. Sibson’s fascia extends posteriorly and laterally to vertebral column, first rib, levator scapulae, and scalenus medius muscle; medially, the superior mediastinal structures and anteriorly upto scalenus anterior and sternocleidomastoid muscles.[1]

Lung hernias are classified according to the location as cervical, chest wall (intercostal), or diaphragmatic. Etiologically, each type may be congenital, spontaneous, traumatic, or pathological.[2]

Spontaneous herniation, usually reported in infants, is caused bya defect in Sibson’s fascia and increased intrathoracic pressure. Cervical lung herniation in adults is mainly caused by trauma. Apicalherniation also may result from lifting heavy weights, playing wind instruments, chronic cough, and emphysema wherethe deep cervical fascia becomes weak.[1],[3],[4] These patients have higher chances ofcomplications if procedures such as tracheostomy, subclavian line placement, or thoracic interventions are done, henceadequate caution must be exercised.[5]

Our patientwas amiddle-aged adult without any history of trauma, predisposing factors to account for any acquired defect, or connective tissue disorders. The presence of cervical rib points to congenital defective anatomical organization in region.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

• References

• 1 Jones JG. Cervical hernia of the lung. J Pediatr 1970; 76: 122-5
• 2 Grunehauni M, Griscom NT. Protrusion of the lung apex through Sibson’s fascia in infancy. Thorax 1978; 33: 290-4
• 3 Bidstrup P, Nordentoft JM, Petersen B. Hernia of the lung: Brief survey and report of two cases. Acta Radiol 1966; 4: 490-6
• 4 Evans AS, Nassif RG, Ah-See KW. Spontaneous apical lung herniation presenting as a neck lump in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Surgeon 2005; 1: 49-51
• 5 McAdams HP, Gordon DS, White CS. Apical lung hernia: Radiologic findings in six cases. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1996; 167: 927

Publication History

Article published online:
26 July 2021