Pedunculated Accessory Liver Lobe Containing the Gallbladder Presenting as Biliary Obstruction: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Accessory liver lobes (ALLs) are uncommon congenital anomalies of normal hepatic tissue.
• Typically asymptomatic, ALLs are often incidental findings during imaging or surgery.

Observation:

• A premature infant with gastroschisis presented with progressive cholestasis.
• Imaging suggested an ALL, later confirmed intraoperatively as a pedunculated lobe attached to the gallbladder.

Findings:

• The accessory liver lobe was surgically resected.
• This is the first reported case of a symptomatic ALL causing biliary obstruction.

Implications:

• Symptomatic ALLs can mimic neoplastic disease, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.
• Early recognition of ALLs is crucial to prevent complications like secondary biliary cirrhosis and potential liver transplantation.