Papillary process of the caudate lobe

Case contributed by Franco A. Scola
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chronic abdominal pain.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
This study is a stack
Axial
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Sagittal
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Coronal
non-contrast
Download
Info

There is a tongue-like liver tissue projection arising from the caudate lobe extending medially.

A circumaortic left renal vein is also seen.

Case Discussion

The papillary process is the medial projection of the caudate lobe and can mimic a lymph node or even a pancreatic mass, especially when prominent as in this case. However, differentiation between these conditions is not a diagnostic challenge in most cases with multiplanar imaging.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

:

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.