Accessory Lobe of Liver: A Rare Hepatic Variation With Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

The liver is a very dynamic organ. Still, the gross anomalies of the liver are sparse. The accessory lobe of the liver is a rare anatomical variation with a prevalence of less than 1%. We present a case of an accessory lobe and two accessory grooves of the liver in a cadaver. The accessory lobe was an isolated anomaly, sessile in presentation, and attached to normal liver parenchyma. Although accessory lobes are rare, knowledge about them will reiterate to surgeons and radiologists to be mindful of them and to avoid misdiagnosis.

Keywords: accessory groove; accessory lobe; couinaud's segment; hepatic diverticulum; liver.

Figure 1. Posterior view of the liver showing the accessory lobe and accessory grooves.

ALL – Accessory lobe of liver; AG1 – Accessory groove in quadrate lobe; AG2 – Accessory groove between colic and renal impression; QL – Quadrate lobe; CL – Caudate lobe; IVC – Inferior vena cava.

Figure 2. Posterior view of the liver showing the relations of accessory lobe of liver.

PH – Porta hepatis, LV – Ligamentum venosum (Lateral); LL – Left lobe of liver (Medial); LT – Ligamentum teres (Inferior); ALL – Accessory lobe of liver; AG1 – Accessory groove in quadrate lobe; AG2 – Accessory groove between colic and renal impression.