Accessory hepatic fissure

An accessory hepatic fissure is an anatomical variation of the liver characterized by the presence of additional grooves or clefts on the liver's surface.

These fissures are usually incidental findings, often discovered during imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans performed for other reasons.

While the liver typically has a standard structure with established lobes and fissures, accessory fissures are considered anatomic variations and not pathological conditions.

These fissures do not usually affect liver function; however, they may be of clinical significance in certain situations, such as during surgical procedures or liver transplantation, where an accurate understanding of the liver's anatomy is crucial.

Misinterpretation of these fissures as pathological lesions can lead to unnecessary investigations or interventions.

Therefore, recognizing and correctly identifying accessory hepatic fissures is important for healthcare providers interpreting imaging studies.

The presence of accessory fissures may also be associated with certain congenital or developmental conditions, but they are primarily benign and asymptomatic in the majority of cases.

Patients with accessory hepatic fissures generally do not require treatment unless the fissures are associated with other hepatic abnormalities or complications.