📄 SCRS

Beaver Tail Liver

Beaver Tail Liver ultrasound case study

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Hepatic Beaver Tail Liver ultrasound case study

CASE–1

Clinical History

Patient was referred for abdominal ultrasound for evaluation of the liver or an incidentally detected elongated left hepatic lobe on previous imaging. There is no history of hepatic trauma, focal liver lesion, or chronic liver disease.

Ultrasound Findings

Ultrasound examination demonstrates an elongated tongue-like lateral extension of the left hepatic lobe, extending toward and partially surrounding the spleen, consistent with a Beaver Tail Liver variant. The hepatic parenchyma demonstrates normal echotexture without focal lesion. Hepatic vessels maintain a normal course through the elongated lobe. No mass effect, focal abnormal echogenicity, biliary dilatation, or abnormal vascularity is identified on color Doppler imaging.

Report Line

An elongated tongue-like lateral extension of the left hepatic lobe is seen extending toward and partially surrounding the spleen, demonstrating normal hepatic echotexture and vascular architecture without focal lesion or mass effect. Findings are consistent with a Beaver Tail Liver, a normal anatomical variant.

Impression

Features are consistent with Beaver Tail Liver (elongated left hepatic lobe), a normal anatomical variant. No focal hepatic lesion or other significant sonographic abnormality is identified.

Key Learning Points

Beaver Tail Liver is a rare congenital anatomical variant characterized by elongation of the left hepatic lobe.
The elongated lobe extends lateral to or partially surrounds the spleen.
The hepatic parenchyma and vascular architecture remain normal.
This variant should not be mistaken for splenic, perisplenic, or left upper abdominal masses.
Recognition of this variant is important in trauma imaging to avoid misdiagnosis of hepatic injury.
Color Doppler demonstrates normal hepatic vascularity throughout the elongated lobe.
Differential diagnoses include hepatomegaly, accessory liver lobe, perisplenic mass, and subcapsular hematoma.

Recommendation

Beaver Tail Liver is a benign anatomical variant requiring no treatment. Recognition of this normal variant is important to avoid unnecessary investigations or surgical intervention. Clinical correlation is advised if associated pathology is suspected.