Superior accessory fissure
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Greif E, Chieng R, Shah V, et al. Superior accessory fissure. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 07 Dec 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-26525
Permalink:
rID:
26525
Article created:
26 Dec 2013,
Eric F Greif
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Eric F Greif had no recorded disclosures.
View Eric F Greif's current disclosures
Last revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Raymond Chieng had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Raymond Chieng's current disclosures
Revisions:
18 times, by
11 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Synonyms:
- Superior accessory fissures
The superior accessory fissure is present in around 5% of individuals examined with CT 4 and PA chest X-rays 5.
On this page:
Gross anatomy
The superior accessory fissure of the right lower lobe is located in the same plane and posterior to the right transverse (minor) fissure. It separates the right lower lobe into superior (apical) and basal segments 5. This superior segment is called the posterior or dorsal lobe.
The fissure varies in length from complete to incomplete fissure 1,2. The incidence is greater with right lung involvement and less common than an inferior accessory fissure 1.
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
Frontal chest radiographs demonstrate a thin horizontal linear opacity projecting below, parallel, and medial to the right minor fissure. The lateral radiograph demonstrates a thin line posterior to the right minor fissure, usually in the same plane and in a horizontal or oblique orientation. It may look like a continuation of the right minor fissure posteriorly, which separates the right lower lobe into superior and inferior segments 1,2.
Differential diagnosis
Consider:
pleural-parenchymal scarring
References
- 1. Godwin JD, Tarver RD. Accessory fissures of the lung. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1985;144 (1): 39-47. doi:10.2214/ajr.144.1.39 - Pubmed citation
- 2. Goodman LR. Felson's Principles of Chest Roentgenology Text with CD-ROM. Saunders. ISBN:1416029230. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 3. Davis SD, Yu LS, Hentel KD. Obliquely oriented superior accessory fissure of the lower lobe of the lung: CT evaluation of the normal appearance and effect on the distribution of parenchymal and pleural opacities. Radiology. 2000;216 (1): 97-106. doi:10.1148/radiology.216.1.r00jl4797 - Pubmed citation
- 4. Yildiz A, Gölpinar F, Calikoğlu M, Duce MN, Ozer C, Apaydin FD. HRCT evaluation of the accessory fissures of the lung. European journal of radiology. 49 (3): 245-9. doi:10.1016/S0720-048X(03)00137-2 - Pubmed
- 5. Stephanie Ryan, Michelle McNicholas, Stephen J. Eustace. Anatomy for Diagnostic Imaging. (2011) Page 126. ISBN: 9780702029714 - Google Books
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