Agenesis of the left hepatic lobe

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 17 Nov 2020

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)
  • possible presence of a few remnant buds/nodules of tissue adjacent to the falciform ligament 2
  • 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

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