Ectopic liver simulating a mass in the gallbladder wall: imaging findings.

Ectopic Liver in Gall Bladder : A Case Report

“…This hepatic diverticulum extends into the septum transversum, where it enlarges and divides into two parts: the larger cranial portion (Pans hepatica), which further divides to form the liver cells and intrahepatic biliary apparatus of the right and left hepatic lobes, and the smaller caudal portion (Pars cystica), which gives rise to the gallbladder and the cystic duct. 5 Several theories have been proposed to explain the development of ectopic liver at different sites: development of an accessory lobe of the liver with atrophy or regression of the original connection to the main liver, 4 migration or displacement of a portion of the cranial part (Pars hepatica) of the liver bud to other sites, 6 dorsal budding of hepatic tissue before the closing of the pleuroperitoneal canal (may explain how EL develops in the thoracic cavity such as esophagus, pericardium, intra pleural or extra pleural), 7 trapping of hepatocyte-destined mesenchyma in different areas 8 and entrapment of nests of cells in the region of the foregut following closure of the diaphragm or umbilical ring. 9 The close relationship of the developing hepatic parenchyma cell cords to the pars cystica and early fetal duodenum may explain why ectopic hepatic tissue could be found in the wall of the gallbladder, the gastrohepatic ligament, the umbilical cord, the adrenal glands, the diaphragm, the pancreas, the pylorus, and the splenic capsule if a portion of the pars hepatica is displaced.…”

Hepatocellular Cancer Arising From Ectopic Liver Tissue on Diaphragm in Association with Desmoid Mesenteric Tumor

“…Several embryological theories have been proposed in order to explain the genesis of ectopic liver tissue (accessory hepatic lobe with regression of the connection to the liver, migration of part of primitive liver to abnormal sites, budding of cranial parts of primitive liver before the closure of pleura-peritoneal channels) [5].…”

Ectopic liver tissue attached to the gallbladder wall: a case report

“…Several theories have been proposed to explain the development of ectopic liver at different sites: development of an accessory lobe of the liver with atrophy or regression of the original connection to the main liver; migration or displacement of a portion of the cranial part (pars hepatica) of the liver bud to other sites; dorsal budding of hepatic tissue before the closing of the pleuroperitoneal canals; trapping of hepatocyte-destined mesenchyma in different areas and entrapment of nests of cells in the region of the foregut following closure of the diaphragm or umbilical ring [3,5,7].…”

“…found in the wall of the gallbladder, the gastrohepatic ligament, the umbilical cord, the adrenal glands, the diaphragm, the pancreas, the pylorus and the splenic capsule if a portion of the pars hepatica is displaced. Dorsal budding of hepatic tissue before closing of the pleuroperitoneal canals may explain how ectopic liver develops in the thoracic cavity, in locations such as esophagus, pericardium, intrapleural or extrapleural [3].…”

“…Detection of this entity before surgery or autopsy by means of imaging studies appears rare. This may be due to the small size of many ectopic livers, the failure of radiologists to be aware of this unusual entity, and the usual lack of symptoms [3]. Hepatobiliary IminoDiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan, besides ultrasonography and computerized tomography, may be helpful in diagnosis.…”