Learning objectives
To review the anatomy of the falciform ligament and its relationship toadjacent structures.
To describe and illustrate pathologic conditions which may involve the falciform ligament region,
affecting or not the falciform ligament itself.
Background
The falciform ligament is a sickle-shaped peritoneal double fold that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and the diaphragm.
It contains the ligamentum teres and the paraumbilical veins,
along with a variable amount of adipose tissue.
It is also the anatomical landmark responsible for the division between left and right subphrenic spaces.
The falciform ligament has three edges:
The antero-superior or diaphragmatic edge attaches to the inferior surface of the anterior part of the diaphragm and to the inner surface of the anterior...
Findings and procedure details
Pathologic conditions involving the falciform ligament
Related to the ligament content
Paraumbilical veins as portosystemic collateral pathway in portal hypertension
Paraumbilical veins contained in the falciform ligament establish communication between portal and systemic venous systems,
particularly between left portal vein and epigastric veins (Fig. 3).
In portal hypertension,
a variable number of paraumbilical veins,
usually tiny and collapsed,
may enlarge to accomodate an hepatofugal flow in order to decompress the portal venous system (Fig. 4,Fig. 5,
Fig. 6).In this case,
they usually drain into a...
Conclusion
Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the falciform ligament region,
together with awareness of the pathologic conditions potentially affecting this area,
may help the radiologist to perform a comprehensive interpretation and achieve an accurate diagnosis.
Personal information
Ana Rita Ventosa1
Carolina Carneiro1
Rodrigo Monteiro1
Pedro Alves1
Jorge Brito1
1.
Department of Radiology
Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Algarve
Portugal
References
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Anatomical study on the morphology and blood supply of the falciform ligament and its clinical significance.
Surg Radiol Anat 2004; 26: 106–109.
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Bills D,
Moore S.
The falciform ligament and the ligamentum teres: friend or foe.
ANZ Journal of Surgery 2009; 79: 678–680.
3.
Martin BF,
Tudor RG.
The umbilical and paraumbilical veins of man.
J Anat 1980; 130(2): 305-322.
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Kim S,
Kim TU,
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Lee TH et al.
The perihepatic space: comprehensive...