agenesis of the left hepatic lobe
Agenesis of the left hepatic lobe is a rare variation in liver anatomy. It is clinically asymptomatic and discovered during imaging or surgery.
Radiographic features
- absence of the left hepatic lobe (left of the falciform ligament, Couinaud segments 2 and 3)
- absence of left hepatic artery, left portal vein, and left hepatic biliary system
- possible presence of a few remnant buds/nodules of tissue adjacent to the falciform ligament
- possible compensatory hypertrophy of the right hepatic lobe and caudate lobe
Differential diagnosis
- hepatectomy (look for postsurgical change)
- severe atrophy of the left hepatic lobe: left lobe structures will still be present