Purpose or Case Report: Extralobar pulmonary sequestration (EPS) and cystic neuroblastoma (CN) are rare pediatric thoracoabdominal masses with distinct yet sometimes overlapping imaging features, posing diagnostic challenges for radiologists. Accurate differentiation is crucial for guiding clinical management and preventing unnecessary interventions. This review focuses on comparing the imaging characteristics of EPS and CN, with emphasis on key features that aid in distinguishing between these entities. EPS typically presents as a well-defined, homogenous mass located near the lower lobes of the lung, often with systemic arterial supply visualized on contrast-enhanced imaging. It may exhibit smooth margins and is commonly identified in neonates and infants. Conversely, cystic neuroblastoma, while rarer, typically manifests as a retroperitoneal mass, often arising from the adrenal gland, with a more complex appearance, including cystic and solid components. Calcifications, which are frequently seen in neuroblastoma, may provide a critical clue for diagnosis, while the absence of systemic arterial supply differentiates it from EPS. Pitfalls arise from the potential overlap in appearance, such as fluid-filled or cystic components within both lesions, which may lead to confusion. Additionally, both lesions may be incidentally discovered on prenatal or early postnatal imaging, necessitating careful evaluation of ancillary features such as vascular supply, location, and internal characteristics to ensure accurate diagnosis. This review offers radiology residents, fellows, and attending radiologists a comprehensive comparison of EPS and CN imaging findings, with a focus on avoiding common diagnostic traps. Understanding these key differences enhances diagnostic confidence, promotes appropriate management, and improves outcomes for pediatric patients.
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