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Alpha 1-antitrypsin retention in an ectopic liver
Matthias Dettmer1, Gieri Cathomas, Niels Willi
1Cantonal Institute of Pathology, Liestal, Switzerland. m.dettmer@gmx.net
Diagnostic Pathology
|March 2, 2011
Summary
Ectopic livers, rare liver tissue growths, can develop diseases like normal livers. This case details the first instance of alpha-1 antitrypsin retention in an ectopic liver, prompting further patient investigation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pathology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Ectopic livers are rare malformations, typically asymptomatic and incidentally discovered.
- These heterotopic liver tissues can undergo pathologies similar to orthotopic livers, including benign changes and malignancies.
Observation:
- A case report of a Caucasian woman undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.
- An ectopic liver was identified attached to the fundus of the gallbladder.
Findings:
- The ectopic liver demonstrated abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin retention, confirmed by special stains and immunohistochemistry.
- This is the first reported case of alpha-1 antitrypsin retention within an ectopic liver.
Implications:
- Radiologists and surgeons should consider ectopic liver in the differential diagnosis for gallbladder masses.
- Pathologists must investigate secondary diseases, including alpha-1 antitrypsin retention, in ectopic liver specimens.
- Clinicians should screen patients with ectopic liver findings for systemic alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
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