[Accessory liver. Report of 2 cases].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Ectopic liver tissue is a rare congenital anomaly where liver parenchyma is found outside its normal location in the abdominal cavity.
• It is often asymptomatic but can present with various clinical symptoms, including abdominal pain, mimicking other gastrointestinal conditions.
• Distinguishing ectopic liver tissue from accessory liver lobes is important for accurate diagnosis and management.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of ectopic liver tissue identified incidentally during elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones and cholecystitis.
• The patients presented with symptoms consistent with gallbladder disease, and the ectopic liver tissue was an unexpected finding.

Findings:

• The study highlights the importance of recognizing ectopic liver tissue as a potential, albeit uncommon, cause of abdominal pain.
• A clear definition differentiating ectopic liver tissue from accessory liver lobes is proposed to aid clinicians.

Implications:

• Accurate identification of ectopic liver tissue is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate patient management.
• This finding underscores the need for thorough histopathological examination during abdominal surgeries, especially when unexpected tissue is encountered.