Intrahepatic gallbladder mimicking a cystic liver lesion: A case report & literature review

Abstract

Intrahepatic gallbladder is a rare congenital variant that occurs due to migration arrest of the gallbladder from reaching its normal position. We present a case of a 60year-old gentleman presenting with chronic abdominal pain and impaired liver enzymes. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a hepatic cystic lesion which later was identified as an ectopic gallbladder within the liver parenchyma through magnetic resonance imaging study of the liver. Although ectopic gallbladder is a rare anomaly, awareness and correct identification of the abnormality prevents misdiagnosis with other liver pathologies as it may mimic other pathologies as presented in this case. It also allows better operative planning when indicated.

Keywords

• Intrahepatic gallbladder
• Ectopic gallbladder