Morphometric variations in lobes and fissures of the lung: A cadaveric study in Pune region of Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Fissures are formed by the pleura covering the lungs. Right lung has horizontal and oblique fissures dividing the right lung into three lobes. Left lung has only oblique fissure dividing it into two lobes. Variations such as accessory, incomplete, and absence of fissure are documented in the literature. Methodology: This is a descriptive cadaveric study undertaken to determine the incidence of variation of fissures and lobes of the lung in the Pune region of Maharashtra. Results: Variations in fissures such as accessory fissure, incomplete fissure, and horizontal fissure in the left lung are seen. A rare finding of horizontal T-shaped pattern in the middle lobe was reported in two lungs. Five-, four-, three-, two-, and single-lobed lung are found. Conclusion: Variations in the number of lobes of the lung and fissures are pivotal for pulmonologists and cardiothoracic surgeons. Clinical misinterpretation in cases of air leaks and planned lobectomy can be avoided by knowledge of these variations.