Morphological variations of lung lobes and fissures: a preliminary study

Y Mathangasinghe,U A Liyanage,Y N Rajapakse,K Abarana,U M J E Samaranayake

doi:10.4038/sljs.v39i3.8884

Abstract

IntroductionAnatomical variations of the lung lobes and fissures have implications in diagnostic radiology and thoracic procedures. The prevalence of these variations is not reported in Sri Lanka. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on cadavers to assess the morphological variations of lung lobes and fissures. The presence and absence of lung lobes and fissures were reported in addition to describing the completeness of the major lung fissures. ResultsA total of 24 lungs in 12 cadavers were studied. Inferior accessory fissures were noted in one right and one left lung of two independent cadavers. Two cadavers had no horizontal fissures, and one left lung had an incomplete oblique fissure posteriorly. Azygos lobe was not observed in this study sample. ConclusionsThe morphology of lung lobes and fissures demonstrate a notable variability, on par with previous reports. Further studies with a large sample size in our population are necessary for generalizable results.

Highlights

Anatomical variations of the lung lobes and fissures have implications in diagnostic radiology and thoracic procedures
Inferior accessory fissures were noted in one right and one left lung of two independent cadavers
Azygos lobe was not observed in this study sample

Summary

Introduction

Anatomical variations of the lung lobes and fissures have implications in diagnostic radiology and thoracic procedures. The prevalence of these variations is not reported in Sri Lanka. During the embryonic development of the lung, the visceral pleura folds into the obliterating spaces surrounding lobar bronchi, forming lung fissures. The oblique fissure of the left lung separates it to the upper and lower lobes. The separation of these lobes by the said fissures is often. Accessory fissures are formed due to the anomalous development of the lung. The presence of incomplete or accessory fissures is associated with the anatomical variations of the lung lobes, which adds to the complexity of the lung morphology

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Discussion

Conclusion