📄 SCRS

Riedel’s Lobe

Riedel’s Lobe liver ultrasound case study

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Reporting Panel

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Liver Pathology

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Riedel’s Lobe Liver ultrasound case study

CASE–1

Clinical History

Patient was referred for abdominal ultrasound due to a palpable right upper abdominal mass or incidentally detected elongation of the right 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 inferior projection of the right hepatic lobe extending below the level of the right kidney, consistent with a Riedel's lobe. The hepatic parenchyma demonstrates normal echotexture without focal lesion. The hepatic capsule is smooth, and the intrahepatic vascular architecture is preserved. No focal mass, biliary dilatation, or abnormal vascularity is identified on color Doppler imaging.

Report Line

An elongated tongue-like inferior projection of the right hepatic lobe is noted extending below the inferior pole of the right kidney, demonstrating normal hepatic echotexture and preserved vascular architecture without focal lesion or mass effect. Findings are consistent with Riedel's lobe, a normal anatomical variant.

Impression

Features are consistent with Riedel's lobe (elongated right hepatic lobe), a benign anatomical variant. No focal hepatic lesion or other significant sonographic abnormality is identified.

Key Learning Points

• Riedel's lobe is a benign anatomical variant characterized by elongation of the right hepatic lobe.
• It commonly extends inferiorly beyond the level of the right kidney.
• The hepatic parenchyma and vascular architecture remain normal.
• It may present as a palpable right upper abdominal mass and should not be mistaken for hepatomegaly.
• Recognition of this variant helps avoid unnecessary investigations or surgical intervention.
• Color Doppler demonstrates normal hepatic vascularity without focal abnormalities.
• Important differential diagnoses include hepatomegaly, accessory hepatic lobe, right renal mass, adrenal mass, and other right upper abdominal masses.

Recommendation

Riedel's lobe is a benign anatomical variant requiring no treatment. Recognition of this normal variant is important to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary intervention. Clinical correlation is recommended if associated hepatic pathology is suspected.