Morphological variations of Caudate and Quadrate lobes of liver: A Clinicoanatomical insight

Abstract

The liver is the largest wedge shaped abdominal viscera, situated under the right dome of the diaphragm occupying right hypochondrium and epigastric region. The organ is divided into right and left lobes by the falciform ligament, fissure for ligamentum teres and fissure for ligamentum venosum. A sound knowledge of normal anatomy and morphological variations of liver is important for radiographic imaging and minimally invasive surgical approaches. The present study was conducted on 32 liver cadaveric specimens collected from routine cadaveric dissection for teaching undergraduate students. The accessory fissures and accessory lobes were observed in 18(56.25%) and 4(12.5%) specimens. The caudate lobe displayed accessory fissures in 12(37.5) % and accessory lobes in 1(3.125%)of the specimens. The quadrate lobe presented the accessory fissures and lobes in 6(18.75%) and 3(9.375%) specimens respectively. Quadrate lobe communicated with the left lobe, as the fissure for ligamentum teres was incomplete in 6(18.75%) specimens. Also, a communication was observed between quadrate lobe and right lobe in 5(15.625%) of the specimens. Fossa for gall bladder was incomplete in 16(50%). One of the specimens displayed a unique presentation with enlarged caudate lobe and a hypertrophied papillary process. Hepatic surface variations are important for radiologists in making accurate diagnosis during imaging and is a prerequisite for gastroenterologists for better surgical outcome. Henceforth the present study was conducted to observe the morphological variations of the lobes of liver and structures in vicinity.