Liver Displacement

cranial displacement

• congenital and acquired (trauma) displacement associated with ventral and diaphragmatic hernias
• results in herniation of the liver into the thoracic cavity
• usually only one lobe enters thorax with other viscera
• blood supply may not be interrupted but may be severely congested and rupture
• may become hardened over time

caudal displacement

• more common
• liver will be displaced behind the costal arch
• due to organ enlargement or caudal displacement of the diaphragm

NB: the diaphragm may be displaced because of pleural effusion or other space occupying lesion in the thorax