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A wandering liver
Brandon W Nichols1, Maria S Figarola, Todd B Standley
1Department of Radiology, University of South Alabama, 2451 Fillingim St., Mobile, AL 36617, USA. bnichols0330@yahoo.com
Abstract:
A wandering liver has been described throughout modern medical literature as a rare entity. During the last few years, an increasing number of cases have been reported associated with colonic volvulus. We report a 17-year-old with a hypermobile liver seen on multiple radiographs and CT. The intraoperative findings demonstrated the liver in its normal anatomic position. We suggest that this entity is more common than thought, and the rise in incidence is likely secondary to increased utilization of pre-operative imaging of patients with colonic obstruction. Increased suspicion might result in further increased incidence of this exceedingly rare entity.
Insights
A wandering liver, a rare condition, is increasingly reported with colonic volvulus. This may be due to more frequent pre-operative imaging, suggesting it is more common than previously believed.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- A wandering liver (mobile liver) is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Recent literature shows an increase in reported cases, often linked to colonic volvulus.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old patient presented with a hypermobile liver noted on radiographs and CT scans.
- Intraoperative examination revealed the liver was in its normal anatomical position.
Findings:
- The discrepancy between imaging and intraoperative findings suggests a transient or positional anomaly.
- The increased incidence may correlate with the rise in pre-operative imaging for colonic obstruction.
Implications:
- Wandering liver may be underdiagnosed and more common than previously thought.
- Enhanced vigilance and pre-operative imaging can improve detection rates.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and clinical significance.
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