Tunnel for ligamentum teres: a rare variation of the liver

Abstract

Introduction Ligamentum teres hepatis, an embryological remnant derived from the obliterated left umbilical vein is lodged on the fissure for the ligamentum teres on the inferior surface of the liver. We report here an anomalous case where the ligament passed through a tunnel instead of a fissure. Case report The fissure for ligamentum teres was obliterated by bridging of liver tissue across the quadrate and left lobes. This bridging converted the fissure into a tunnel through which ligamentum teres coursed to its destination. A small fissure extended from the left end of porta hepatis to this tunnel. Lack of separation of lobes, in the early embryonic period might have led to this variation. Conclusion Anomalies like this can often mislead the radiologists or surgeons either in diagnosis or interpretations of liver diseases.