MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS OF THE CAUDATE LOBE OF THE LIVER: A CADAVERIC STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DUPLICATION AND AN INDEPENDENT VASCULAR PEDICLE

Abstract

Background: The caudate lobe of the liver has distinctive portal venous, arterial, biliary, and venous anatomy and occupies a surgically complex location adjacent to the porta hepatis and inferior vena cava. Morphological variations of the caudate lobe may complicate radiologic interpretation and hepatobiliary procedures. Duplication of the caudate lobe associated with a separate vascular pedicle is particularly uncommon. This study evaluated morphological variations of the caudate lobe in adult human cadaveric livers, with emphasis on duplication and its potential clinical relevance. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional cadaveric study included 68 adult human liver specimens obtained during routine anatomical dissections. Specimens with gross pathological alteration, traumatic disruption, or deformity involving the caudate region were excluded. Each liver was systematically examined for variations in the caudate process, papillary process, fissural configuration, duplication, and the presence of a distinct vascular pedicle. Relevant findings were documented photographically. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Age and biological sex of the cadavers were not available from institutional records and were therefore not included in the analysis. Results: Conventional caudate lobe morphology was identified in 62 of 68 specimens (91.2%), whereas 6 specimens (8.8%) demonstrated morphological variation. An elongated caudate process was present in 3 specimens (4.4%), and a prominent papillary process was identified in 2 specimens (2.9%). A duplicated caudate lobe was identified in 1 specimen (1.5%). The duplicated component was separated from the principal caudate lobe by a deep fissure and demonstrated a distinct vascular pedicle containing separate portal venous and arterial branches arising from the porta hepatis. Conclusion: Morphological variations of the caudate lobe are uncommon but clinically relevant because they may alter expected hepatic anatomy on imaging and during surgery. The identification of a duplicated caudate lobe with a separate portal and arterial supply expands the recognized spectrum of caudate morphology and has potential implications for hepatobiliary surgery, liver transplantation, and image-guided intervention. Awareness of such variants may improve preoperative vascular assessment and reduce diagnostic or intraoperative uncertainty.