Eur J Anat, 23 (5): 369-376 (2019)

Hepatic malformations: morphogenetic, anatomical and pathological features

Laura C. González Villarreal¹, Jorge A. Franco Zuluaga1, Mercedes Olaya Contreras², María L. Gutiérrez Gómez^1,3, Angelika Kuhlmann Lüdeke¹

¹Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, ²Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, ³Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia

ABSTRACT Hepatic organogenesis is a complex process involving various molecular and cellular determi-nants. Knowledge of the anatomical and functional structure of the liver and its relationship with other abdominal organs is fundamental from a surgical point of view. Clinical autopsies were performed upon twelve fetal specimens. Photographic foot-age was reviewed for fetal livers presenting macroscopic abnormalities, and relevant cases were included. A search was conducted employing terms pertaining hepatic malformationsâ?? morphogenetic, anatomical and pathological features. A thorough review was elaborated introducing an updated classification based on autopsy findings and available literature. Twelve fetal specimens underwent clinical autopsies. Gestational age ranged between 18 and 38 weeks (mean 28 weeks). All livers displayed symmetrical lobes. Seven of them presented at least one dysmorphic feature on macroscopic examination. Hepatic malformations can be classified into anomalies due to excessive development, defective development or extrinsic factors. The relevance of the proper identification of liver malformations lies in the broad spectrum of clinicalmanifestations with different degrees of morbidity associated with them.

Keywords: Liver â?? Morphogenesis â?? Abnormal lobulation â?? Accessory lobe â?? Autopsy