Congenital Abnormal Shapes of Lungs in Relation to Abnormal lobes and Fissures and Its Clinical Implications

Author(s):

Kosuri Kalyan Chakravarthi*, Ankamma Sarvepalli and Siddaraju Kaadukothanahalli Siddegowda

Background: Detailed knowledge of congenital abnormalities of lungs is essential for proper evaluation and treatment of respiratory diseases, identi ication of broncho-pulmonary segments during lobectomies and surgical resection, identification and interpretation of their variable radiological imaging.

Aim: Accordingly, the aim of this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of congenital abnormal shapes of lungs in relation to abnormal lobes and issures.

Materials and methods: This study was carried out on 270 isolated lung specimens (right lungs-135 and left lungs-135) from 135 formalin embalmed middle aged human cadavers irrespective of gender.

Results: Out of 270 lung specimens following congenital abnormalities were reported. 1) Three lungs (1.1%), had unusual different abnormal shapes, such as typical snail shaped right lung with single abnormal circular issure, bearded axe shaped left lung with huge cardiac notch and single lobed classical pointed hat shaped right lung. 2) One right lung (0.37%) and 9 left lungs (6.67%) showed complete absence of issures. 3) Among 9 single lobed left lungs one had split apex separated by a left subclavian groove with absence of lingual and cardiac notch. 4) Cardiac notch and ligula were noted absent in 3 left lungs (2.36%). 5) One right lung (0.37%) showed ive lobes with complete one oblique and three incomplete horizontal issures.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge such abnormalities of lungs has not been cited in the recent medical literature. Awareness of these abnormalities is necessary to avoid complications during various radio diagnostic procedures or cardiothoracic surgeries.