ANOMALOUS LOBAR PATTERN OF LUNGS

Standard textbooks on anatomy say that the right lung has 3 lobes, separated by 2 fissures, namely the oblique and horizontal fissure and the left lung has 2 lobes separated by a single oblique fissure. But various literatures have documented variations in the lobar and fissural pattern of lungs. The knowledge of these variations becomes important while interpreting radiological images of Chest X-Ray or CT-scan while locating lung lesions. This knowledge is also important to alert cardiothoracic surgeons, the potential problems they might face while performing lobectomies or segmental resections of lung. Variations of lungs lobar pattern and fissures have been described by many authors on imaging techniques, whereas there are very few studies which are based on cadavers. This study was conducted on 50 cadaveric lung specimens and the morphological variations in the fissures and lobes were recorded. 9 right sided and 10 left sided lungs showed incomplete oblique fissures. 12 right sided lungs showed incomplete horizontal fissures. Horizontal fissure was absent in 6 right sided lungs. 2 left lungs showed no fissures at all. Accessory fissures were noted in 2 specimens, one of each side. Awareness regarding these anatomical variations is necessary for the appreciation of the lobar anatomy and thus locating the bronchopulmonary segments.