An Incidental Necropsy Finding: Intrathoracic Ectopic Liver in a Cat
Joanna Fiedorowicz1, Katarzyna Paździor-Czapula1, Mateusz Mikiewicz1
1Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|March 14, 2026
Summary
This case study reports an incidental intrathoracic ectopic liver in a cat, a rare anomaly. Early diagnosis and surgical assessment are crucial due to potential malignant transformation risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Developmental Biology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Ectopic liver, hepatic tissue outside the normal location, is a rare anomaly with limited veterinary reports.
- It can be congenital or acquired due to trauma, presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Intrathoracic ectopic liver mimics neoplastic or inflammatory masses, necessitating careful evaluation.
