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Isolated cysts are commonly detected incidentally on abdominal ultrasonography or CT. These cysts are usually asymptomatic and have no clinical significance. The rare congenital polycystic liver is commonly associated with polycystic disease of the kidneys (see Cystic Kidney Disease: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)) and other organs. It causes progressive nodular hepatomegaly (sometimes massive) in adults. Nevertheless, hepatocellular function is remarkably well preserved, and portal hypertension rarely develops.

Other hepatic cysts include the following:

• Hydatid (echinococcal) cysts (see Cestodes (Tapeworms): Echinococcosis)
• Caroli's disease, which is rare, autosomal recessive, and characterized by segmental cystic dilation of intrahepatic bile ducts (often becoming symptomatic in adulthood, with stone formation, cholangitis, and sometimes cholangiocarcinoma)
• True cystic tumors (rare)

Last full review/revision September 2007 by Steven K. Herrine, MD

Content last modified September 2007