Evaluation of hepatic cystic lesions

Simple hepatic cyst rupture exacerbated by anticoagulation

Simple hepatic cysts are usually asymptomatic but can rarely result in life-threatening complications such as haemoperitoneum secondary to rupture. A 70-year-old woman with known simple hepatic cyst presented with acute chest pain and dyspnoea. The initial diagnosis was pulmonary embolism, and anticoagulation was commenced. However, she subsequently collapsed with haemodynamic instability. CT revealed a large hepatic cyst haematoma with rupture into the peritoneal cavity. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy, haemostasis and partial deroofing of the cyst. Retrospective review of CT scans suggested that the bleed had begun on presentation but was exacerbated by anticoagulation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of haemorrhagic hepatic cyst associated with acute anticoagulation. We discuss several important clinical lessons including cyst rupture as a possible cause of chest pain, the need for careful review of imaging and the choice of anticoagulation in patients with known simple hepatic cyst.

Morphological and dynamic evaluation of complex cystic focal liver lesions by contrast-enhanced ultrasound: current state of the art

Complex cystic and cystic-like focal liver lesions (FLLs) encompass a spectrum of disorders ranging from non-neoplastic conditions to benign and malignant tumors. In this prospective, the possibility of non-invasive differentiation of these lesions is extremely important, because the clinical implications and therapeutic strategies vary considerably. Because of its advantageous cost/benefit ratio, widespread availability and easy execution, ultrasound (US) is the first-line imaging modality in most countries for the initial liver survey and represents the imaging technique that usually detects a complex liver cyst. However, US showed poor efficacy in the differential diagnosis of complex cystic FLLs. Thus, for years, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have been used for further assessment of these lesions. Recently, the development of low mechanical index real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) technique performed with the second generation of US contrast agents has led to an accurate depiction of macrovasculature and microvasculature. The technique yields information about contrast enhancement of the liver and FLLs almost as CT and MRI do, but in real time and without the use of ionizing radiation. To date, there is only a small amount of evidence about the role of CEUS in the less common setting of complex liver cysts. The aim of this review is to offer an up-to-date overview on the state of the art of CEUS in the study of the most common complex cystic focal liver lesions. To our knowledge, there are no literature comprehensive reviews on this topic.

Simple liver cysts and cystoid lesions in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a retrospective cohort study with Hounsfield analysis

BACKGROUND

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. AE lesions affect the liver in more than 98% of cases. AE lesions have various morphological characteristics that are described in the Echinococcus multilocularis Ulm classification for computed tomography (EMUC-CT). One of these characteristics is a cystoid portion. The aim of the study was to compare the density of simple hepatic cysts with cystoid portions of AE lesions classified on the basis of the EMUC-CT.

RESULTS

Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements of the cystoid portions of all EMUC-CT type I-IV AE lesions (n = 155) gave a mean of 21.8 ± 17.6, which was significantly different from that of 2.9 ± 4.5 for the simple hepatic cysts (p < 0.0001). The difference between each of the individual AE types and simple hepatic cysts was also significant. In addition, the HU values of the cystoid portions in types I, II and IIIa/b and simple cysts were each significantly different from type IV (p < 0.0001). The HU measurements in type IV presented by far the highest mean.

CONCLUSIONS

The significantly higher density measured in the cystoid portions of hepatic AE lesions offers a good means of differentiation from simple hepatic cysts.

Case report of hepatic pseudocyst: A rare manifestation of liver metastasis from an anal squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Liver metastasis of an anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with a pseudocyst is uncommon. There are many diseases which form hepatic cystic lesions and sometimes it is difficult to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 69-year-old woman visited our hospital with complaints of bloody stool and difficult defecation. A palpable mass in the anal canal was found on digital examination. The laboratory tests revealed anemia and raised levels of SCC antigen. On endoscopy a type 2 tumor was identified in the anal canal and biopsy revealed SCC. The patient was diagnosed with advanced anal SCC (cT2N1aM0, cStage IIIA) as a result of the examination and underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT); unfortunately the tumor persisted after CRT. A salvage abdominoperineal resection with D2 and left lateral lymph node dissection was conducted. Histopathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as poorly differentiated SCC. She was readmitted for fever 3 weeks after surgery, and the abdominal CT showed multiple low density areas with enhancement at the edge of the liver, suggesting abscess or metastasis. The metastatic SCC was revealed by cytology of liver drainage and liver biopsy.

DISCUSSION

Anal cancers are sometimes encountered however; a pseudo cystic presentation of a liver metastasis is very rare which makes it difficult to distinguish from other diseases.

CONCLUSION

We present a case of SCC in the anal canal with liver metastasis presenting as a hepatic pseudocyst.

Giant hepatic cyst as a cause of gastric outlet obstruction

We describe the case of a 58-year-old female who presented to her primary care provider with lifelong anorexia, 6-week history of liquid only diet and new onset epigastric abdominal pain radiating to the back accompanied by nausea and abdominal distension. An initial computed tomography scan with contrast demonstrated a massive simple hepatic cyst with mass effect compression of the duodenal sweep. Repetitive treatment with aspiration sclerotherapy using hypertonic saline provided initial resolution of symptoms and led to substantial reduction of cyst diameter. Repeat imaging demonstrated complete drainage of the cyst and decompression of the duodenum. Ultimately, the patient's symptoms returned 6 weeks later at which time she opted for surgical deroofing of the cyst. Surgery provided for complete resolution. This case appears to be the first to document the compression of second portion of the duodenum by a massive simple hepatic cyst causing anorexia and mimicking gastric outlet obstruction.

Echinococcus Granulosus in Childhood: A Retrospective Study of 187 Cases and Newer Data

Echinococcus granulosus, first reported by Goeze in 1782, is the causative parasite of cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) especially for countries that are endemic areas. Since the 1970s, the incidence of echinococcosis in Greece has been very high. Nevertheless, with the implementation of special prevention measures in the 1980s, a large reduction in the incidence of hydatidosis meant that it reached European levels. Therefore, we analyzed the demographics, multiple organ localizations of the parasite, diagnosis, and conservative and optimal surgical treatment over a total period of 39 years, especially for pulmonary and hepatic echinococcosis in children. The higher incidence of pulmonary echinococcosis compared with other localizations, male predominance, wide range of age, and various cystic sizes were some of the main demographics. Because cystic echinococcosis remains a main public health problem, we advocate a meticulous clinical investigation and treatment methodology to bridge the gap between knowledge and awareness of this important disease.

Biliary Mucinous Cystadenoma: A Review of the Literature

Biliary mucinous cystadenomas are cystic neoplasms commonly mistaken for simple cysts. They are rare and generally benign tumors, often incidentally found on imaging and during unrelated surgical interventions. They tend to be slow growing though may reach symptomatic dimensions. Misdiagnosis of biliary mucinous cystadenomas may have serious consequences secondary to their potential for malignant transformation into biliary mucinous cystadenocarcinomas. Here, we review the epidemiology, etiology, pathology, diagnostic modalities, histology, and available treatment methods for mucinous cystadenomas reported in current literature.

Symptom relief and not cyst reduction determines treatment success in aspiration sclerotherapy of hepatic cysts

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether quantitative assessment of symptom reduction is a better outcome parameter than cyst volume reduction for treatment success in patients treated by aspiration sclerotherapy.

METHODS

We included patients with symptomatic, large (> 5 cm), hepatic cysts from a randomized controlled trial (NCT02048319). At baseline and 6 months after treatment, symptoms were assessed with the polycystic liver disease questionnaire (PLD-Q) and we measured cyst volume using ultrasonography. Patient-reported change in health was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale (much worse to much better) after 6 months. We tested whether PLD-Q scores and cyst volumes changed after aspiration sclerotherapy (responsiveness). Changes in PLD-Q scores and cyst volume were compared with change in health as a measure of treatment success (discriminative ability). As secondary analysis, we compared baseline characteristics between responders (improved) and non-responders (not improved).

RESULTS

We included 32 patients. Six months after treatment, 23 patients (72%) improved. Both PLD-Q score and cyst volume significantly decreased (median 38 to 18 points, p < 0.001, and 479 to 68 mL, p < 0.001). Larger improvement in PLD-Q score was associated with a positive change in health (p = 0.001), while larger proportional reduction in cyst volume was not significantly associated with health improvement after treatment (p = 0.136). Responders had larger baseline cyst volumes compared to non-responders (median 624 mL [IQR 343-1023] vs. 322 mL [IQR 157-423] p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Cyst diameter reduction does not reflect treatment success in aspiration sclerotherapy from patients' perspective, while symptoms measured with the PLD-Q can be used as a reliable outcome measure.

KEY POINTS

• Cyst diameter reduction poorly reflects treatment success in aspiration sclerotherapy. • Symptoms measured by the polycystic liver disease questionnaire (PLD-Q) is a better outcome measure than cyst volume reduction for treatment success after aspiration sclerotherapy. • Particularly patients with larger cysts (≥ 529 mL) benefit from aspiration sclerotherapy.

Bleeding Liver Masses: Imaging Features With Pathologic Correlation and Impact on Management

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this article are to discuss a variety of liver masses that can present with hemorrhage, including their characteristic imaging features, and to propose a diagnostic approach. CONCLUSION. A broad spectrum of pathologic conditions can present as spontaneous hemorrhage within or surrounding the liver and may present acutely or as a chronic or incidental finding. Imaging characteristics and clinical history can often narrow the differential diagnosis and guide management.

Imaging findings of hemorrhagic hepatic cysts with enhancing mural nodules

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological findings of hemorrhagic hepatic cysts with enhancing mural nodules.

METHODS

The radiology databases of five facilities were retrospectively searched for reports indicating hemorrhagic hepatic cysts or hepatic cystic tumors. Cases of hemorrhagic hepatic cysts with enhancing mural nodules based on pathological or radiological findings were identified and reviewed.

RESULTS

We included 14 cases (11 female and 3 male) with a mean patient age of 72.6 years. Up until the enhancing mural nodules were detected, the cysts had decreased in size in all ten cases for which radiological imaging was available for a period of > 3 years previous to detection. Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT or MRI showed focal enhancement in the early phase and progressive centrifugal enhancement in the delayed phase in all 16 mural nodules ≥ 10 mm in diameter. Thirteen of 14 MRI assessable enhancing mural nodules ≥ 10 mm in diameter showed a hypointense rim with central hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging. All cases showed calcification of the cyst wall. In the three referred cases, ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT demonstrated no intense FDG uptake in the enhancing mural nodules. In the four resected cases, histopathology of the enhancing mural nodules revealed neovascularization within an organized hematoma, including extensive dilated vessels and hemangioma-like lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Features including a decrease in cyst size, a progressive centrifugal enhancing pattern on dynamic contrast-enhanced CT or MRI, a hypointense rim with central hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI, and cyst wall calcification may indicate a hemorrhagic hepatic cyst.

Rapidly enlarging, giant hepatic cyst growing pseudomonas

A 74-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea and fever on a background of a large hepatic cyst thought to be stable in size. During her admission, she developed worsening shortness of breath. An echocardiogram revealed severely impaired cardiac output due to external compression by the hepatic cyst, which had grown rapidly. This was drained under ultrasound guidance and cultures of this fluid grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the organism responsible for the persistence of this giant hepatic cyst.

An updated review of cystic hepatic lesions

Cystic hepatic lesions are commonly encountered in daily practice. The diagnosis of these lesions ranges from benign lesions of no clinical significance to malignant and potentially lethal conditions. The prevalence of hepatic cyst (HC) has been reported to be as high as 15-18% in the United States. Imaging with conventional ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used to characterize further and diagnose. The pre-test probability of a diagnosis is highly affected by the patient's comorbidities and the clinical and laboratory data; thus, imaging studies should be interpreted in the context of the other clinical information for that particular patient. Treatment modalities for hepatic cyst include fenestration, aspiration sclerotherapy, or surgical resection. In the current review, we discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment modalities for various cystic hepatic lesions.

Prevalence Estimates of Polycystic Kidney and Liver Disease by Population Sequencing

BACKGROUND

Estimating the prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is challenging because of age-dependent penetrance and incomplete clinical ascertainment. Early studies estimated the lifetime risk of ADPKD to be about one per 1000 in the general population, whereas recent epidemiologic studies report a point prevalence of three to five cases per 10,000 in the general population.

METHODS

To measure the frequency of high-confidence mutations presumed to be causative in ADPKD and autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD) and estimate lifetime ADPKD prevalence, we used two large, population sequencing databases, gnomAD (15,496 whole-genome sequences; 123,136 exome sequences) and BRAVO (62,784 whole-genome sequences). We used stringent criteria for defining rare variants in genes involved in ADPKD (PKD1, PKD2), ADPLD (PRKCSH, SEC63, GANAB, ALG8, SEC61B, LRP5), and potential cystic disease modifiers; evaluated variants for quality and annotation; compared variants with data from an ADPKD mutation database; and used bioinformatic tools to predict pathogenicity.

RESULTS

Identification of high-confidence pathogenic mutations in whole-genome sequencing provided a lower boundary for lifetime ADPKD prevalence of 9.3 cases per 10,000 sequenced. Estimates from whole-genome and exome data were similar. Truncating mutations in ADPLD genes and genes of potential relevance as cyst modifiers were found in 20.2 cases and 103.9 cases per 10,000 sequenced, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Population whole-genome sequencing suggests a higher than expected prevalence of ADPKD-associated mutations. Loss-of-function mutations in ADPLD genes are also more common than expected, suggesting the possibility of unrecognized cases and incomplete penetrance. Substantial rare variation exists in genes with potential for phenotype modification in ADPKD.

Differentiating metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas from simple cysts of the liver using contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MRI

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the value of contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI for differentiating metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas from simple cysts of the liver.

METHODS:

29 patients with 47 metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas and/or 19 simple cysts of the liver who underwent contrast-enhanced and DW MRI were included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists assessed the MRI findings by consensus. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted. Significant MRI findings on univariate and multivariate analyses were assessed, and their diagnostic performances for predicting metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas were analyzed.

RESULTS:

The presence of rim enhancement (odds ratio, 28.43; p = 0.008) and intracystic enhancement (oddsratio, 180.15; p = 0.001) were independently significant factors for predicting metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas. The sensitivity and specificity of rim enhancement, intracystic enhancement, and their combination for detecting metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas were 83% (39/47) and 63.2% (12/19), 87.2% (41/47) and 89.5% (17/19), and 72.3% (34/47) and 94.7% (18/19), respectively. Compared to simple cysts, metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas showed significantly lower mean apparent diffusion coefficient (1.92 ± 0.81 vs 2.99 ± 0.75 × 10^-3 mm² s^-1; p = 0.001) and lesion-to-liver apparent diffusion coefficient ratio (1.66 ± 0.75 vs 2.44 ± 0.56 × 10^-3 mm² s^-1; p = 0.004) and higher mean signal intensity (400.3 ± 216.3 vs 222.4 ± 99.3; p = 0.039) and lesion-to-liver signal intensity ratio on hepatobiliary-phase images (0.58 ± 0.16 vs 0.30 ± 0.14; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Contrast-enhanced and DW MRI may be helpful for differentiating metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas from simple cysts of the liver.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:

On contrast-enhanced and DW MRI, rim and intracystic enhancement can be helpful for differentiating metastatic mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas from simple cysts of the liver.

Differentiating Cystic Liver Lesions: A Review of Imaging Modalities, Diagnosis and Management

Hepatic cysts (HCs) are frequently discovered incidentally on abdominal imaging. The prevalence of HCs has been reported as high as 15-18% in the United States. Although most cysts are benign, some are malignant or premalignant. It is important to diagnose cystic lesions in order to properly manage them. Imaging with conventional ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used to further characterize and diagnose HCs. Ultrasound is typically the first-line imaging modality, whereas more advanced imaging can help narrow down the specific lesion. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a newer modality, recently approved in the United States, which offers non-invasive evaluation in real-time. The first step in diagnosis is stratifying risk by differentiating simple and complex cysts. There are several features that can help identify HCs, including septae, mural consistency, calcifications, and quality of cystic fluid. Simple cysts are mainly congenital cysts, but also occur in polycystic liver disease. Complex cysts include mucinous neoplasms, echinococcal cysts, hemorrhagic cysts, cystic hepatocellular carcinoma and other rare lesions. Treatment is indicated in symptomatic cysts or those suspicious for malignant or premalignant features. Treatment modalities include fenestration, aspiration sclerotherapy, or surgical resection.

Spontaneous postnatal complete resolution of an antenatally diagnosed fetal hepatic cyst: A case report

RATIONALE

Antenatal diagnosis of a fetal hepatic cyst is rare. Since in most cases the lesion is treated after birth by surgery only a few reports present a complete spontaneous resolution of an antenatally diagnosed hepatic cyst.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A single hepatic cyst (1.34/1.47 cm) was diagnosed in a fetus at 36 weeks of pregnancy while mother was in labor. After an uneventful vaginal birth, a multidisciplinary evaluation of the newborn confirmed the presence of the cyst.

DIAGNOSES

Single hepatic cyst INTERVENTIONS:: Passive approach; periodic ultrasound monitoring of the cyst OUTCOMES:: The latest ultrasound examination performed at 18 months of age confirmed complete resolution of the cyst. No other medical complications occurred before 18 months of age.

LESSONS

The management of such a case depends on the cyst dimensions, the types of involved structure and could require urgent prenatal or neonatal treatment. In our case a complete spontaneous resolution of the hepatic cyst was achieved before 18 months of age.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of benign liver lesions

Liver lesions are often incidentally detected on ultrasound examination and may be incompletely characterized, requiring further imaging. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States for liver lesion characterization. CEUS has the ability to characterize focal liver lesions and has been shown to be superior to color Doppler and power Doppler ultrasound in the detection of tumor vascularity. Differentiating benign from malignant liver lesions is essential to characterizing liver lesions. The CEUS imaging characteristics of benign liver lesions are reviewed, including hepatic cysts, hemangiomas, focal fat, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenomas, abscesses, and traumatic lesions.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of malignant liver lesions

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a safe, relatively inexpensive, and widely available imaging technique using dedicated imaging ultrasound sequences and FDA-approved contrast microbubbles that allow detection and characterization of malignant focal liver lesions with high diagnostic accuracy. CEUS provides dynamic real-time imaging with high spatial and temporal capability, allowing for unique contributions to the already established protocols for diagnosing focal liver lesions using CT and MR imaging. In patients with lesions indeterminate on CT and MRI, CEUS is a helpful problem-solving complementary tool that improves patient management. Furthermore, CEUS assists guidance of liver biopsies and local treatment. Variations of CEUS such as DCE-US and ultrasound molecular imaging are emerging for quantitative monitoring of treatment effects and possible earlier detection of cancer. In this review, basic principles of CEUS techniques and ultrasound contrast agents along with a description of the enhancement patterns of malignant liver lesions are summarized. Also, a discussion of the role of CEUS for treatment guidance and monitoring, intraoperative CEUS, and an outlook on emerging applications is provided.

Liver Imaging Techniques: Recognition of Uveal Melanoma Metastases

Background

The liver is the most common site for metastases of several primary malignancies including uveal melanoma.

Methods

Review of imaging characteristics of incidental common benign liver lesions including hepatic cyst, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hepatic adenoma and contrasting them with uveal melanoma metastases.

Results

Benign hepatic lesions may be cystic or, if solid, relatively stable in size over time. For hepatic lesions larger than 10 mm in size, characteristic imaging features typically allow for confident diagnosis. When lesions are small (less than 10 mm), definitive characterization can be difficult. Moreover, lesions smaller than 10 mm can be difficult to biopsy under ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) guidance, and short-term follow-up will often be useful to assess for stability or progression. Overall, magnetic resonance imaging is more specific than CT scan and at least as sensitive as CT for detecting uveal melanoma liver metastases.

Conclusions

New multiple enhancing solid liver lesions should raise suspicion of uveal melanoma liver metastases. Discussion of challenging cases with the radiologist may be beneficial, as pertinent information such as size, location, and molecular prognostication status of the primary tumor can guide radiological interpretation of hepatic lesions.

Radiologic Pearls for Internists: A Case-Based Review

Modern technologic advances in medical imaging and the increasing use of imaging across all disciplines in medicine have led to a striking rise in incidental findings unrelated to the original study indication. Often, these findings have no clinical relevance and will not impact the current or future health status of the patient. It is incumbent on radiologists to report these findings in a definitive and unambiguous manner. Similarly, it is essential for clinicians to restrain from further diagnostic investigation of incidental findings that are conclusive by imaging. A classic and common example is the finding of a cyst. This article presents several cases of incidentally found cysts for which a confident diagnosis can be made without any need for follow-up.

Primary benign liver lesions

Benign focal liver lesions can origin from all kind of liver cells: hepatocytes, mesenchymal and cholangiocellular line. Their features at imaging may sometimes pose difficulties in differential diagnosis with malignant primary and secondary lesions. In particular, the use of MDCT and MRI with extracellular and hepatobiliary Contrast Agents may non invasively help in correct interpretation and definition of hepatocellular or mesenchymal and inflammatory nature, allowing to choose the best treatment option. The peculiarities of main benign liver lesions at US, CT and MRI are described, with special attention to differential diagnosis and diagnostic clues.

An update on the pathophysiology and management of polycystic liver disease

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is characterized by the presence of multiple cholangiocyte-derived hepatic cysts that progressively replace liver tissue. They are classified as an inherited ciliopathy /cholangiopathy as pathology exists at the level of the primary cilia of cholangiocytes. Aberrant expression of the proteins in primary cilia can impair their structures and functions, thereby promoting cystogenesis. Areas covered: This review begins by looking at the epidemiology of PLD and its natural history. It then describes the pathophysiology and corresponding potential treatment strategies for PLD. Expert commentary: Traditionally, therapies for symptomatic PLD have been limited to symptomatic management and surgical interventions. Such techniques are not completely effective, do not alter the natural history of the disease, and are linked with high rate of re-accumulation of cysts. As a result, there has been a push for drugs targeted at abnormal cellular signaling cascades to address deregulated proliferation, cell dedifferentiation, apoptosis and fluid secretion. Currently, the only available drug treatments that halt disease progression and improve quality of life in PLD patients are somatostatin analogues. Numerous preclinical studies suggest that targeting components of the signaling pathways that influence cyst development can ameliorate growth of hepatic cysts.

Typical and atypical benign liver lesions: A review

Focal liver lesions are routinely encountered by clinical radiologists and represent a wide spectrum of pathology. Majority of these lesions are likely to be benign in nature, especially in the absence of chronic liver disease or primary cancer. A radiologist must be aware of common and uncommon imaging features of benign lesions across the various imaging modalities. This review discusses pathognomonic imaging features of common benign focal liver lesions seen on ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance, and adds to existing knowledge with the recent updates to have emerged in this area.

Liver Transplantation for Polycystic Liver Disease Due to Huge Liver With Related Complications: A Case Report

Polycystic liver disease is characterized by multiple cystic lesions on the liver. It is an uncommon autosomal dominant disease. The cysts' diameters range from 20 to 30 cm to small microscopic nodules. Generally, more than half of the liver parenchyma is covered. The mass effect of the liver created by the large cysts can cause life-threatening symptoms such as weight loss, reduction of oral intake, and malnutrition. Liver transplantation is the best treatment option in symptomatic patients. We present a patient who had polycystic liver and kidney disease, and we performed liver transplantation because of his life-threatening symptoms.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound features of hepatic cystadenoma and hepatic cystadenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Hepatic (biliary) cystic tumor (HBCT) is a rare focal cystic liver lesion, which has been rarely described in the literature. In our current multicenter, retrospective study, we aimed to analyze contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features and its diagnostic performance in histologically proved HBCT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-three patients with single HBCT were retrospectively analyzed. Histologically, 17 (73.9%) were benign hepatic (biliary) cystadenoma (HBCA), 6 (26.1%) were hepatic (biliary) cystadenocarcinoma (HBCAC). All CEUS examinations were assessed by two independent radiologists in consensus. Criteria of CEUS imaging evaluation included the contrast enhancement pattern of lesion (hypoenhancing, hyperenhancing, isoenhancing in comparison to the surrounding liver parenchyma) during the arterial, portal venous and late phases.

RESULTS

After injection of ultrasound contrast agents, most of the HBCTs (78.3%, 18/23) had typical honeycomb enhancement pattern of the cystic wall, septa or mural nodules. Comparing between HBCA and HBCAC, hyperenhancement of the honeycomb septa during the arterial phase was more common in HBCA (p = .047). However, hypoenhancement during the portal venous and late phases was the characteristic of HBCAC (p = .041).

CONCLUSIONS

The EFSUMB algorithm for CEUS for characterization of solid focal liver lesions is also applicable to HBCT. CEUS evaluation can avoid further diagnostic investigations or invasive biopsy procedure.

Gluteal Hydatid Cyst: Report of a Case from Iran

Hydatid cyst involves both hard and soft tissues even without the evidence of the disease in liver or lungs; however, this manifestation is very rare, particularly in musculoskeletal regions). The current report describes a case with primary diagnose of cystic gluteal swelling leading to diagnose of hydatid cyst after surgical exploration in an 80-yr-old woman the Surgical Outpatient Department, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. During surgery, the cavity was washed by silver nitrate and the cyst content was appropriately evacuated. The patient had completed a short course of albendazole postoperatively. Early postoperative complications were not appeared. The patient was followed for 6 months with no evidence of recurrence or complications.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Focal Liver Lesions: Where Do We Stand?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) represents a significant breakthrough in sonography, and it is being increasingly used for the evaluation of focal liver lesions (FLLs). Currently, CEUS is included as a part of the suggested diagnostic workup of FLLs, resulting in a better patient management and delivering cost-effective therapy. After a brief technical note, contrast-enhancement patterns of different types of benign and malignant FLLs, along with hepatic pseudolesions, are described and discussed based on our experience and literature data. At the same time, the most recent concepts and the use of CEUS in different clinical settings are presented.

Evaluation of the utility value of percutaneous drainage of symptomatic hepatic cysts combined with an obliteration attempt

Aim

The goal of the paper was to evaluate the procedure of percutaneous drainage of symptomatic hepatic cysts under the transabdominal ultrasound control combined with obliteration.

Material and method

Within the period from 2005 to 2015, 70 patients diagnosed with a simple hepatic cyst of symptomatic nature were subject to hospitalization and treated at the 2^nd General, Gastroenterological and Cancer Surgery of the Alimentary System Center and Clinics of the Medical University of Lublin. All the patients subject to evaluation were qualified to percutaneous drainage under an ultrasound control. The drainage utilized typical sets of drains with the diameter of at least 9 F, most often of pigtail type. The fluid aspirated form the cyst was dispatched for complex laboratory testing. Further, a 10% sodium chloride solution was administered to the cyst through the drain, in the volume depending on the previous size of the cyst and the patient's reaction.

Results

Patients reported for a re-visit within the period from 3 to 9 months following the procedure. Complete obliteration of the cyst was confirmed only in 8 patients (11%). Cyst recurrence was reported in cases when during the ultrasound evaluation, the diameter of the cyst following aspiration and obliteration enlarged to over 75% of the initial dimension. In this group, in 10 out of 12 examined (83%) there was a relapse of the previously observed ailments. Among patients, who has a cyst imaged within the period of observation, which had the diameter from 50% to 75% of the previous size, only in 6 cases (37.5%) the initial symptoms relapsed.

Conclusions

The utilization of a drainage and obliteration enables one to achieve the acceptable result of the therapy as well as significant decrease in the number of previously reported ailments and symptoms described.

Spontaneous rupture of non-parasitic or non-neoplastic multiple and giant liver cysts: report of a case

Simple liver cysts occasionally cause pressure symptoms of the abdomen. We herein report an extremely rare case of spontaneous rupture of simple liver cysts. A 65-year-old woman suffered abdominal fullness and dyspnea. Laboratory examinations revealed general inflammation and mild hepatorenal dysfunction. Computed tomography revealed giant polycystic liver and ascites. Echinococcus antibody was not detected. Abdominal paracentesis provided dark brown transparent ascites in which any parasites or tumor cells were not observed. We diagnosed spontaneous rupture of isolated polycystic liver disease (PCLD) and continuously drained the ascites. After the symptoms and laboratory data were improved, resection of liver cysts and left lateral segmentectomy were performed. Histopathologically, simple columnar epithelia inside of cyst walls were observed. The patient remains well without recurrence of the symptoms 10 months after the surgery. We reviewed characteristics of PCLD and considered appropriate treatment for spontaneous rupture of simple liver cysts based on the previous case reports including the present case.

Diagnosis and treatment of benign liver nodules: Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH) recommendations

Space-occupying lesions of the liver may be cystic or solid. Ultrasonography is an extremely useful method for initial screening, and suffices for diagnosis of simple hepatic cysts. Complex cysts and solid masses require computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for confirmation. Wide surgical excision is indicated in cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. Clinical and epidemiological data are important, as nodules in noncirrhotic livers are more likely to be benign. Hemangiomas, the most common benign tumors, require no follow-up after diagnostic confirmation if they are small and asymptomatic. Patients with giant, symptomatic hemangiomas or compression of adjacent structures should be referred to hepatobiliary centers for potential surgery. The genetic heterogeneity of hepatocellular adenomas and their epidemiology and prognosis prompted classification of these tumors into four subtypes based on histology and immunohistochemistry. The major complications of hepatocellular adenomas are rupture with bleeding and malignant transformation. Rupture occurs in approximately 30% of cases. The main risk factors are tumors size >5 cm and inflammatory subtype. Hepatocellular adenomas may enlarge during pregnancy due to marked hormonal stimulation. As oral contraceptive pills and anabolic steroids have associated with hepatocellular adenomas growth, particularly of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alfa subtype, these drugs should be discontinued. Focal nodular hyperplasia is the second most common benign tumor of the liver. It is most frequent in women aged 20 to 60, and 70% to 90% of cases are asymptomatic. In the absence of a central scar and/or other hallmarks of Focal nodular hyperplasia, with uncertainty between this diagnosis and hepatocellular adenoma, liver-specific contrast agents are indicated.

Technical challenges in treating recurrent non-parasitic hepatic cysts

PURPOSE

Simple non-parasitic hepatic cysts (NPHC) are relatively frequent and often asymptomatic. When symptomatic, surgery is recommended. Most patients can be treated with laparoscopic deroofing. However, recurrence rate varies greatly, and there is no consensus on the optimal approach for symptomatic recurrences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study on 33 patients surgically treated for symptomatic simple NPHC was performed. Recurrence was considered only when symptomatic.

RESULTS

Most patients were initially submitted to laparoscopic deroofing. Symptomatic recurrence was found in five patients treated with laparoscopic deroofing. Specific location of the cysts was a common characteristic. In three cases, recurrence was unsuccessfully treated with open deroofing, and patients were submitted to resection. Open deroofing does not offer any advantage in terms of recurrence in comparison with laparoscopic deroofing.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic deroofing can be proposed for symptomatic recurrent cysts, except for cysts located in S4, S7 and S8, where recurrence rates are higher and complete resection should be undertaken.

[Modern diagnostics of cystic liver lesions and hemangiomas]

CLINICAL ISSUE

Cystic liver lesions incorporate a broad heterogeneous group of mostly benign but also malignant abnormalities. The radiological aim is the non-invasive diagnosis with the use of different imaging modalities to determine the type of lesion.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

The common generally asymptomatic incidental findings of cystic lesions on ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must be classified on the basis of specific imaging features. Such a differentiation is essential because the clinical consequences and the appropriate therapy can vary depending on the underlying pathology. Due to the morphological overlap of many cystic lesions, conventional radiological methods are often insufficient.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

The huge advances in cross-sectional imaging (multidetector CT, MRI with special sequences and different contrast agents and MR cholangiopancreatography) in combination with the clinical history usually enable a non-invasive diagnosis. Pathognomonic morphological and hemodynamic lesion features, as well as a knowledge of the pathomechanisms, help to differentiate this broad spectrum of entities.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In this article the different entities of cystic liver lesions, together with the appropriate diagnostic method for detection and distinction and including their strengths and limitations, are demonstrated.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

A well-founded knowledge about the development of various cystic liver lesions and the suitable choice of imaging method facilitate a non-invasive diagnosis.

A Giant Simple Liver Cyst That Caused Increases in Serum CA 19-9 and CA 15-3 Levels

Simple cysts (SCs) of the liver are not associated with the biliary malformations in intrahepatic bile duct biliary. Seen in 0.1% to 7% of adult population, biliary malformations are more common in women. The levels of glycoprotein-like tumor markers (carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9) in the cysts and serum could be high. Although studies regarding CA 19-9 exist, sufficient data on cancer antigen (CA) 15-3 are not available. This case is about a 76-year-old woman who complained of painless intra-abdominal mass. The patient with a giant simple cyst extending from the gallbladder to the pelvis had preoparative CA 19-9 and CA 15-3 serum levels of 87.3 IU/L and 37 IU/L respectively. It was observed that CA 19-9 levels had decreased to 36 IU/L and CA 15-3 to 28.1 IU/L in blood samples taken in the third month after the surgery. There is a need for comprehensive studies to investigate the relationship between the size of the cyst and biomarkers (including markers such as CA 15-3) in the assesment of liver SC.

Preoperative differential diagnosis between intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma: A single-center experience

AIM: To investigate preoperative differential diagnoses made between intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma and intrahepatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patient data was performed, which included 21 cases of intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma and 25 cases of intrahepatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma diagnosed between April 2003 and April 2013 at the General Hospital of PLA. Potential patients were excluded whose diagnoses were not confirmed pathologically. Basic information (including patient age and gender), clinical manifestation, duration of symptoms, serum assay results (including tumor markers and the results of liver function tests), radiological features and pathological results were collected. All patients were followed up.

RESULTS: Preoperative levels of cancer antigen 125 (12.51 ± 9.31 vs 23.20 ± 21.86, P < 0.05) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (22.56 ± 26.30 vs 72.55 ± 115.99, P < 0.05) were higher in the cystadenocarcinoma subgroup than in the cystadenoma subgroup. There were no statistically significant differences in age or gender between the two groups, or in pre- or post-operative levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL) between the two groups. However, eight of the 21 patients with cystadenoma and six of the 25 patients with cystadenocarcinoma had elevated levels of TBIL and DBIL. There were three cases in the cystadenoma subgroup and six cases in the cystadenocarcinoma subgroup with postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION: Preoperative differential diagnosis relies on the integration of information, including clinical symptoms, laboratory findings and imaging results.

Pericyst: the outermost layer of hydatid cyst

Hydatid disease, caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, mostly affects the liver and the lungs with hydatid cysts which consist of three layers: (1) the outer pericyst; (2) the middle laminated membrane; and (3) the inner germinal layer. Pericyst, as the outermost layer of the hydatid cyst, is made by host cells encasing the hydatid cyst. An extremely close interaction exists between this host tissue and the parasite, and any degenerative changes of the pericyst would result in hydatid cyst degeneration or rupture. The pericyst plays an undeniably important role in the development and survival of the hydatid cyst.

Polycystic liver disease: ductal plate malformation and the primary cilium

Polycystic livers are found in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by polycystic kidney disease (PKD)1 and PKD2 mutations in virtually all cases, and in isolated polycystic liver disease (PCLD), where 20% of cases are caused by mutations in Protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (PRKCSH) or SEC63. Loss of heterozygosity in single hepatoblasts leads to underlying cystogenic ductal plate malformations. Crucially, actual components driving this development remain elusive. Recent advances have unraveled the roles of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, Notch and Wnt signaling, transcriptional regulators such as hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)6 and HNF1β, as well as cilium function in hepatobiliary organogenesis. In polycystic liver disease, mutation or defective co-translational processing of key elements required for primary cilium formation have been implicated. This review recapitulates liver patterning factors in hepatobiliary development and extracts molecular players in hepatic cystogenesis.