A wandering folded liver displaced by the distended bowel: a new case report with review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: The wandering liver is an extremely rare condition in which the liver moves significantly or 'wander' with changes in patient's lie. This is believed to be an acquired condition perhaps precipitated by persistent congenital ventral mesogastrium which acts as an axis or a mesentery for the liver to rotate. The vast majority of reported cases were associated with other chronic abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, especially sigmoid volvulus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a case report of an acquired isolated transposition of the liver with a review of the English-language literature of wandering liver in adults and paediatric age group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of wandering liver is variable. Most of the reported cases were asymptomatic and are usually diagnosed while having investigation or surgery for other reasons, especially the commonly associated bowel problems. However, some patients may present with intermittent jaundice and abdominal pain secondary to the abnormal liver configuration. Due to the scarcity of the condition, the diagnosis can be challenging and improper concerns of permanent liver failure is possible. Hepatopexy is usually required for symptomatic patients with good results.