Anatomical lung variations: A study conducted on cadaveric specimens

Emily Poe, Guinevere Granite

Abstract

Cognizance of lung anatomical variations is essential for surgeons performing lobectomies or segmentectomies. Knowledge of lung variations is essential; clinicians may misinterpret such variations in radiological images. During cadaveric dissection of fifty cadavers, we chose the three most unique lung anatomic variations noted to highlight as case studies. These three were an azygos lobe, a five-lobed right lung, and a markedly enlarged lingula of a left lung. The anatomical variations we describe in this article are of both clinical importance and academic interest. Cardiothoracic surgeons should consider these variants to avoid or reduce mortality associated with invasive procedures.