Abstract
Objective To observe variations in the fissures, in the lobes, and in the hilar pattern of
lungs and correlate these findings with clinical implications.
Materials and Methods The present study was performed on random lung specimens available in the Department
of Anatomy. A total of 96 lungs (47 right and 49 left) were studied for variations
in the fissures and lobes, and 92 lungs (45 right and 47 left) for variations in the
hilar pattern.
Results Among the right-sided lungs, 70% presented incomplete horizontal fissure, 15% with
absence of the horizontal fissure, and 51% with incomplete oblique fissure. Accessory
fissures were also seen, but incomplete, and accounted for 17% of the total number
of right lungs.
Among the left-sided lungs, 62% presented incomplete oblique fissures, and 4% with
absence of the oblique fissure. Accessory fissures accounted for 6% of the total number
of left lungs.
Regarding hilar pattern variations, 11% of the right-sided lungs showed > 2 bronchi,
69% showed > 2 pulmonary veins, and 37% showed > 1 pulmonary artery.
Among the left-sided lungs, 57% showed > 1 bronchi, 21% showed > 2 pulmonary veins,
and 17% showed > 1 pulmonary artery.
Conclusion The field of pulmonary surgery is now highly advanced, with well-developed radiological
and endoscopic techniques. Hence, a proper understanding and knowledge of these morphological
variations of lung fissures and of the hilar pattern would be advantageous for surgeons,
as well as for radiologists.
Keywords
accessory fissure - horizontal fissure - lung hilum - oblique fissure
