[Gangrene of the round liver ligament: an unrecognized pathology]

A rare cause of acute abdomen: an isolated falciform ligament necrosis

The falciform ligament is one of the anatomical structures which attach the liver to the diaphragm and anterior abdominal wall. Primary falciform ligament is very rare. In this article, we present a case of an isolated falciform ligament necrosis, a rare primary pathology of the falciform ligament, who was admitted with acute abdomen.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 64-year-old female patient was admitted with the complaints of pain. Laboratory test results showed a leukocyte count of 17,000/mm(3). Imaging studies demonstrated intra-abdominal reactionary fluid along with a heterogeneous mass localized in the falciform ligament. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a necrotic mass of the falciform ligament. No other pathology responsible for falciform ligament necrosis was found. We believe that falciform ligament necrosis should be considered a preliminary diagnosis, if any ligament abnormality, tumor, intraligament air density, or the presence of reactionary fluid surrounding the ligament is detected through abdominal imaging studies.

[Gangrene of the ligamentum teres hepatis]

Necrosis of the ligamentum teres hepatis is a very rare and misdiagnosed pathology. Four cases have been reported in the literature. Clinical symptoms with acute abdominal pain suggest peritonitis. The diagnostic may be obtained by CT scan of the abdomen revealing a hypo/dense circular lesion, anterior to the liver, to the junction of the segments III and IV, associated with inflammation. The mechanism of isolated necrosis of the round liver ligament remains unclear. In the absence of a preoperative diagnosis, a video-laparoscopic exploration is proposed.

Isolated Gangrene of the round and Falciform Liver Ligaments: A Rare Cause of Peritonitis: Case Report and Review of the World Literature

Isolated infection and/or gangrene of the round and falciform liver ligaments is among the rarest causes of acute abdomen. The diagnosis is based on demonstrating localized or patchy inflammatory or gangrenous changes in tike ligaments without apparent etiology. We report the case of an 18-year-old male who presented with a 24-hour history of generalized abdominal pain and distention, nausea, and vomiting. With a preoperative diagnosis of probable perforated duodenal ulcus and generalized peritonitis the patient underwent emergency surgery. Multiple patchy gangrenous areas of the round and falciform ligaments were found starting from the umbilicus up to the hepatic hilum. The ligaments were resected in toto. The patient's postoperative course was unremarkable. No apparent etiology of the condition was found. We provide the first extensive review of the world literature. Isolated infection and/or gangrene of the round and falciform liver ligaments should be suspected in patients with upper abdominal complaints when imaging studies demonstrate ligament abnormality, tumor, or fluid. Treatment is only surgical. Depending on surgeon's expertise, patient's condition, and severity and extent of disease either open or laparoscopic surgery may be performed.