Hepatolithiasis with secondary cholangitis and supernumerary left hepatic lobe

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Recurrent cholangitis is often associated with biliary obstruction.
• Hepatolithiasis, or bile duct stones, can lead to recurrent cholangitis.
• The etiology of hepatolithiasis can be complex and multifactorial.

Observation:

• A 31-year-old woman presented with recurrent cholangitis.
• The patient had hepatolithiasis with stones primarily composed of calcium bilirubinate.
• A supernumerary hepatic lobe was identified, connected to segment III of the liver.

Findings:

• The hepatolithiasis was secondary to the presence of calcium bilirubinate stones.
• The supernumerary hepatic lobe's connection to segment III of the liver was noted.
• The direct role of the supernumerary lobe in the development of hepatolithiasis remains undetermined.

Implications:

• This case highlights an unusual association between a congenital liver anomaly and hepatolithiasis.
• Further investigation may be needed to clarify the potential contribution of accessory liver structures to biliary stone formation.
• Understanding such rare anatomical variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of hepatobiliary diseases.