Accessory liver lobes: anatomical description and clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Anatomical Variations

Background:

• Accessory liver lobes are uncommon congenital anomalies resulting from excessive liver development.
• These lobes are typically infrahepatic and can be mistaken for tumors.
• Riedel's lobe, a hypertrophy of segments V and VI, is a well-known example.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of accessory hepatic lobes.
• To discuss their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and potential complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on accessory hepatic lobes.

Main Results:

• Accessory lobes are often discovered incidentally.
• Complications include torsion, particularly in pedunculated forms.
• Hepatocellular tumors have been reported to develop within accessory lobes.

Conclusions:

• Accessory hepatic lobes are rare but important considerations in liver imaging.
• Differential diagnosis with tumors is crucial.
• Awareness of potential complications like torsion and neoplasm is necessary.