[Mobile liver and colonic volvulus. A case report]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Radiology and Imaging
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• A mobile liver is a rare anatomical anomaly characterized by lax or absent supporting ligaments, enabling abnormal liver mobility.
• This condition is often associated with a long and lax mesocolon, which can lead to symptomatic complications.
• Few cases of mobile liver have been documented, making each new report valuable for understanding its clinical spectrum.

Observation:

• This report details the computed tomography (CT) findings in a patient presenting with acute abdomen.
• The CT scan revealed a mobile liver, displaced to the dependent side.
• Associated findings included colonic volvulus, identified as the cause of the acute abdominal symptoms.

Findings:

• Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing mobile liver and associated complications.
• The study presents the first reported CT findings of mobile liver co-occurring with acute abdomen secondary to colonic volvulus.
• The imaging characteristics underscore the diagnostic utility of CT in identifying this rare condition and its acute presentation.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of mobile liver presentations, particularly its association with acute abdominal emergencies.
• Radiologists and surgeons should consider mobile liver in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, especially when CT shows atypical liver positioning.
• Early recognition through advanced imaging like CT is vital for timely intervention and management of life-threatening complications such as colonic volvulus.