Anomalous structures of the liver: an anatomical insight

Anomalous structures of the liver are incidentally detected during autopsies or during routine cadaveric dissection. The present study aimed to observe the abnormal shapes of quadrate lobe, accessory sulci and ligamentum teres of the liver.

A total of 20 formalin fixed cadaveric livers (n=20), irrespective of the sex, were taken for this study. These specimens belonged to cadavers of unknown origins. The presence of accessory sulci and abnormalities related to the quadrate lobe and ligamentum teres were studied in detail. Morphometric measurements were taken for the abnormal accessory sulci and abnormal quadrate lobes.

Variable shapes of the quadrate lobes were observed with 8 (40%) being rectangular, 6 (30%) being pear-shaped, 4 (20%) being triangular and another 2 specimens (10%) which were square in shape. The presences of accessory sulci on the diaphragmatic surface of the liver were observed in 2 specimens (10%). Ligamentum teres traversed the groove in 18 (90%) while in 2 (10%) specimens, the ligamentum teres was embedded in the groove and it was covered by parenchymatous tissue of the liver it from the side of the quadrate lobe.

Prior anatomical knowledge of the presence of the anomalous structures in the liver with may be helpful for the radiologist and surgeons for correct interpretation of radiographs and planning appropriate hepatobiliary surgeries.