Coronary Ligament of the Liver

ligamentum coronarium hepatis

The coronary ligament is a broad peritoneal reflection that connects the posterior superior surface of the liver to the undersurface of the diaphragm, defining the boundaries of the bare area of the liver where the hepatic parenchyma contacts the diaphragm without peritoneal coverage. Its right and left extremities are continuous with the right and left triangular ligaments respectively.

Region: Abdomen

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Anchors the liver to the diaphragm, defines the bare area through which the hepatic veins drain directly into the inferior vena cava, and limits inferior displacement of the liver.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The bare area enclosed by the coronary ligament is a potential site for subphrenic abscess formation following intra-abdominal sepsis. During hepatic resection, the coronary ligament must be divided to mobilise the liver. Knowledge of its anatomy is critical to avoid injury to the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. Hepatocellular carcinoma invading the diaphragm crosses through the bare area without peritoneal barrier, requiring diaphragmatic resection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Subphrenic Abscess

Infection tracking into the right subphrenic space, bounded anteriorly by the liver and posteriorly by the coronary ligament, produces fever, right upper quadrant pain, and diaphragmatic elevation, requiring percutaneous or surgical drainage.