Alpha 1-antitrypsin retention in an ectopic liver
Author Information
Author(s): Dettmer Matthias, Cathomas Gieri, Willi Niels
Primary Institution: Cantonal Institute of Pathology, Liestal, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The presence of abnormal alpha 1-antitrypsin retention in an ectopic liver has not been reported in the literature.
Conclusion
This case highlights the need to consider ectopic liver in the differential diagnosis of gallbladder masses and the importance of testing for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Supporting Evidence
- Ectopic livers are often clinically silent and discovered incidentally.
- The first case of ectopic liver was reported over fifty years ago.
- Histologically, ectopic liver tissue is usually normal but may show secondary changes.
- Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency can lead to liver impairment and cirrhosis.
- Ectopic livers are estimated to occur in 0.23 to 0.47% of excised gallbladders.
- Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of alpha 1-antitrypsin retention.
- The patient had no history of liver or lung disease.
- Alpha 1-antitrypsin retention should prompt further testing for deficiency.
Takeaway
Doctors found a rare type of liver tissue attached to a gallbladder that had a problem with a protein called alpha 1-antitrypsin, which can cause health issues.
Methodology
The case involved a 91-year-old female patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with histological examination revealing alpha 1-antitrypsin retention.
Limitations
The patient declined further confirmatory blood tests for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Participant Demographics
A 91-year-old previously healthy Caucasian female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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