Unveiling the unusual: Incidental identification of Riedel’s Lobe in female with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Riedel’s lobe is a rare anatomical variant characterized by a downward extension of the right lobe of the liver, presenting diagnostic challenges due to its potential to mimic hepatic masses and variable incidence. This case report explores the incidental discovery and clinical implications of Riedel’s lobe in a young female with a past medical history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), endometriosis, mitral valve prolapse, and lumbar disc herniations, who presented with abdominopelvic discomfort and fatigue. Following her initial presentation, a urinalysis that revealed the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) prompted a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, incidentally, uncovering a Riedel’s lobe. Despite the absence of a direct correlation between the identified anatomical variant and the patient's presenting symptoms, its discovery highlights the importance and challenges of recognizing such variations during diagnostic imaging to avoid misdiagnosis of pathologic hepatomegaly or malignancy.