A wandering liver

Abstract

A wandering liver has been described throughout modern medical literature as a rare entity. During the last few years, an increasing number of cases have been reported associated with colonic volvulus. We report a 17-year-old with a hypermobile liver seen on multiple radiographs and CT. The intraoperative findings demonstrated the liver in its normal anatomic position. We suggest that this entity is more common than thought, and the rise in incidence is likely secondary to increased utilization of pre-operative imaging of patients with colonic obstruction. Increased suspicion might result in further increased incidence of this exceedingly rare entity.

Gastric Volvulus Associated with a Wandering Liver: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Furthermore, repeated CT scan demonstrates displacement of the right lobe of the liver into the left upper abdominal quadrant. [3][4][5][6] In this particular case, it was considered that a wandering liver could lead to gastric volvulus. When the right lobe of the liver shifts to the left side of the abdomen by rotating counterclockwise under the round ligament, mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus can theoretically occur.…”

“…Resultantly, the liver is suspended by an elongated midline falciform ligament. [3][4][5][6] Because of this process, many authors believe that due to the association of a persistent ventral mesentery, a wandering liver can precipitate volvulus of both the stomach and colon.…”

“…The liver was suspended by an elongated midline falciform ligament (black arrow persistent ventral mesentery) abdomen. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Described clinical features include a congenital absence of the falciform and triangular ligaments. The condition is usually associated with bowel obstruction.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] Described clinical features include complete dislocation of the liver into the left upper quadrant and congenital absence of the falciform and triangular ligaments. The condition is believed to be associated with a persistent ventral mesentery, and most reported cases are diagnosed during investigation of intestinal obstruction.…”

Wandering liver and intestinal malrotation: first report

“…A total of 11 cases since 1960 have been published in medical journals. Various distinct pathologies are associated with this condition in volvulus and/or obstruction of the stomach and bowel due to a persistent ventral mesogastrium [2, 3]. To our knowledge, this is the first reported occurrence of a concurrent wandering liver and intestinal malrotation in an individual.…”