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While cystic hepatic lesions are frequently encountered in clinical practice, differentiation amongst the various entities can prove difficult if the histologic pitfalls and diagnostic caveats are unknown. Many patients present with vague clinical symptoms and overlapping imaging findings. Herein we discuss the most commonly encountered cystic hepatic lesions including abscesses (pyogenic and amebic), echinococcal cyst, simple hepatic cyst, ciliated hepatic foregut cyst, intrahepatic pseudocyst, mucinous cystic neoplasm, hemangioma, angiosarcoma, multilocular cystic hepatocellular carcinoma, cystic metastatic lesions, hematoma, and biloma.

An 88-year-old man presented to the emergency department with exertional dyspnoea and orthopnoea. Clinical examination revealed mildly raised jugular venous pressure, increased respiratory rate, palpable non-tender hepatomegaly and reduced right basal breath sounds. Ultrasonography showed a large right simple hepatic cyst, multiple small left hepatic and renal cysts. A non-contrast CT scan revealed a large, right hepatic thin-walled cyst of volume 4.2 L, exhibiting few thin septae and tiny nodular mural calcifications. Pressure effects were elevated right haemidiaphragm, right atrial compression and adjacent atelectasis. He had a similar episode 2 years ago, treated by percutaneous needle aspiration. Giant simple hepatic cysts are rare and present when symptomatic due to pain, mass effect on adjacent organs, infection or rupture. These may unusually cause dyspnoea or orthopnoea by compressing cardiac chambers. Simple aspiration has a high recurrence rate. Percutaneous sclerosant injection, laparoscopic deroofing and cystectomy are better treatment modalities.

Background Liver cysts are common, with most cases being asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, the disease is amenable to treatment. However, huge or multiple liver cysts with vascular narrowing and associated systemic symptoms are extremely rare. Furthermore, the performance of a reliable and effective surgery in such cases remains a major problem. Here, we report a case of multiple giant liver cysts with impaired blood flow surgically treated in a hybrid operating room. Case presentation A 73-year-old male presented to a previous doctor with leg edema and dyspnea on exertion; computed tomography revealed that the cause complaint was right lung and heart compression and inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis due to huge liver cysts in the caudal lobe. The patient was referred to our hospital because of disease recurrence despite percutaneous aspiration of the cyst. Multiple liver cysts were observed in addition to the drained cysts, two of which were located on both sides of the IVC and caused IVC stenosis. We performed open surgery for the liver cysts and used the hybrid operating room for intraoperative IVC angiography and measuring the hepatic vein and portal vein (PV) pressure. We performed unroofing of the hepatic cyst and cauterization of the cyst wall on the hepatic side. Angiography was performed before and after unroofing of the liver cysts, and IVC stenosis release was confirmed. IVC pressure measured at the peripheral side of the stenosis and PV pressures were continuously measured during surgery and were confirmed to have decreased during the opening of the liver cysts. The patient had a good postoperative course and was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. No recurrence was observed 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions Cyst unroofing surgery using angiography in a hybrid operating room is a useful treatment for deep hepatic lesions in that vascular stenosis improvement can be intraoperatively confirmed. Moreover, in cases wherein the cyst compresses the vasculature, intraoperative monitoring of IVC and PV pressures can be used to prove that the liver cyst is hemodynamically involved.

BACKGROUND Biliary cystadenomas are very rare benign tumors which can transform into cystadenocarcinomas. The largest case series reported on 221 cases over 30 years from 10 HPB centers, i.e., about 7 cases per center per decade. The recommended treatment is liver resection. Enucleation of biliary cystadenomas has been done rarely. The purpose of the study was to determine the outcome of enucleation of these cysts, particularly the mortality rate and the recurrence rate. METHODS A keyword search was done using OVID followed by a search of the bibliography of papers describing the enucleation of biliary cystadenomas. Of 45 articles obtained, 25 were retained. The main reasons for exclusion were non-English language and review articles. RESULTS One hundred three patients in the 25 studies were treated with enucleation. Thirteen studies described prior treatments that had failed with resulting recurrence requiring re-treatment. The main indication for enucleation was large central cysts for which liver resection would be high risk. There were no postoperative deaths in patients treated by enucleation. Thirteen studies provided long-term follow-up in 40 patients, a substantial number given the rarity of the tumor. There were no recurrences or transformations to malignancy. CONCLUSIONS Enucleation seems to represent a reasonable treatment technique for BCA, especially when a large cystic lesion is located centrally and/or would require a large liver resection with significant loss of parenchyma.

Background The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) procedure is still the most used technique for management of hydrocephalus. This article reports a case of hepatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst as a rare, but important, complication of the VPS insertion. Case Description An 18-year-old male presented to the hospital complaining of temporal headache and visual turbidity for approximately 3 months with a history of VPS insertion for treatment of hydrocephalus and revision of the valve in adolescence. The diagnosis was based on abdominal imaging, demonstrating an extra-axial hepatic CSF pseudocyst free from infection. Following the diagnosis, the management of the case consisted in the removal and repositioning of the catheter on the opposite site of the peritoneum. Conclusion The hepatic CSF pseudocyst is an infrequent complication of VPS procedure, but it needs to be considered when performing the first evaluation of the patient. Several techniques are considered efficient for the management of this condition, the choice must be made based on the variables of each individual case.

Hemorrhagic rupture is a very rare and life-threatening hepatic cyst complication. Several treatment methods have been used for hepatic cyst hemorrhage and/or rupture; however, transcatheter arterial embolization for hepatic cyst hemorrhage has been poorly documented. An 80-year-old man receiving dual antiplatelet therapy was diagnosed with hemorrhagic rupture of a hepatic cyst. Transcatheter arterial embolization using a coil was performed for A6 branch confirmed active extravasation. His condition improved promptly after treatment, and the hepatic cyst gradually became smaller as compared to the size before hemorrhage. Transcatheter arterial embolization is suitable for hepatic cyst hemorrhage and might be a minimally invasive treatment option for a symptomatic hepatic cyst.

Background Polycystic liver disease is a clinical feature of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and it can sometimes cause health damage more serious than polycystic kidney. Dialysis therapy can be used for renal failure, but liver transplantation is the only method available for liver failure. Thus, giant and multiple hepatic cysts may affect mortality. However, liver transplantation is not indicated in many cases because of the preserved liver function. Case presentation A 54-year-old Japanese woman with polycystic liver disease was transferred back to our hospital for abdominal pain caused by liver cyst infection with abdominal wall herniation. She had been diagnosed with polycystic liver disease associated with sporadic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease 25 years earlier. Although she had several surgical interventions to reduce her liver volume, including right hepatic lobectomy and fenestration for liver cysts in another hospital, she needed further repair of the recurrent incisional herniation with patch graft surgery using fascia lata to cover the herniation site. However, new herniation sites reemerged in the fragile abdominal wall area around the patch, and therefore, she reduced the recurrent abdominal wall herniation by herself. Recurrent intestinal obstructions were luckily released by fasting with decompression treatment via nasogastric tube insertion, but multiple skin ulcers around the enlarged hernia sac gradually developed, and ascites was extremely difficult to control with any medication. At final admission, her abdominal wall was even more prominent, causing shortness of breath, and it spontaneously ruptured many times, which was accompanied by discharge of around 5 liters of ascites each time. She died from sepsis caused by drug-resistant Enterococcus. Conclusions We report a case of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with ruptured abdominal wall resulting from a hepatic cyst enlargement despite multiple laparotomy operations. Throughout the entire disease course, her liver volume increased rapidly, and her quality of life was severely impaired, but she could not undergo liver transplantation after readmission to our hospital. We will discuss the therapeutic strategy for this patient, including the timing and indication for liver transplantation.

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease that can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. In Mexico, 4.5% of patients with kidney failure are carriers of this disease; the liver is another of the organs affected by this disease that can manifest as abdominal pain and a mass effect in the abdominal cavity; we present 2 cases of polycystic kidney and liver disease (mother and child), in addition to describing the clinical manifestations, two different stages of the disease are shown, being a hereditary disease it is suggested that once a case is identified, an abdominal ultrasound is performed to first-degree relatives in search of cystic lesions to indicate preventive measures that help us preserve the overall well-being of the patient.

We observed liver failure with a presumed etiology of echinococcosis in an 89-year-old woman. Our patient had been born and then resided on Rebun Island until she was 12 years old. At 46 years old, she had been referred to our hospital due to right abdominal pain. Ultrasound had revealed multilocular cysts in the right lobe of the liver. At 84 years old, the hepatic cyst occupied nearly the entire liver with ring-shaped calcification along the cyst wall. The patient was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis and hepatic hydatid disease based on typical imaging and the long-term natural clinical course.

With major advancements and frequently utilization of abdominal imaging techniques, hepatic cysts are increasingly encountered in clinical practice. Although the majority of cysts are benign, a small subset represent neoplastic precursors to cholangiocarcinoma. These cystic precursors include intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct (IPNB) and mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver (MCN-L), and bear striking pathologic resemblance to corresponding cystic neoplastic precursors within the pancreas. This review examines the salient clinical, gross, microscopic and molecular features of IPNBs and MCN-Ls, and, in particular, provides histopathologic comparison to their pancreatic counterparts. Considering these neoplasms may be diagnostically challenging, we also discuss other hepatic lesions within the differential diagnosis, and the potential for molecular methods to improve their preoperative evaluation and the early detection of cholangiocarcinoma.

This article reviews the contemporary diagnosis and management of the most common abdominal neoplasms and cystic lesions diagnosed in the fetus. Fetal tumors discussed include teratomas (sacrococcygeal, cervical or mediastinal), mesoblastic nephroma, nephroblastoma (Wilms’ tumor), neuroblastoma, and hepatoblastoma. Fetal abdominal cystic lesions discussed include ovarian cyst, choledochal cyst, intestinal duplication cyst, mesenteric cyst, simple hepatic cyst, and meconium pseudocyst. We discuss the rare indications for fetal intervention or fetal surgery and other perinatal management, including prenatal interventions and fetal surgery for sacrococcygeal teratoma. The lesions reviewed are detected by widespread use of screening ultrasonography during pregnancy. Work-up for these abnormalities may include fetal MRI which enhances the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal tumors and cystic lesions and can aid in characterization of the lesion in relationship to surrounding anatomic structures. Accurate prenatal diagnosis of such lesions permits recommendations for optimal location and timing of delivery, and inclusion of appropriate caregivers and expertise to facilitate postnatal management. Perinatal management of the fetus with a neoplasm requires consideration of the optimal timing and mode of delivery, and pediatric oncology and surgical specialty care. The majority of tumors diagnosed antenatally have good prognosis with current multimodality treatment.

Objectives To develop a convolutional neural network system to jointly segment and classify a hepatic lesion selected by user clicks in ultrasound images. Methods In total, 4309 anonymized ultrasound images of 3873 patients with hepatic cyst (n = 1214), hemangioma (n = 1220), metastasis (n = 1001), or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n = 874) were collected and annotated. The images were divided into 3909 training and 400 test images. Our network is composed of one shared encoder and two inference branches used for segmentation and classification and takes the concatenation of an input image and two Euclidean distance maps of foreground and background clicks provided by a user as input. The performance of hepatic lesion segmentation was evaluated based on the Jaccard index (JI), and the performance of classification was based on accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results We achieved performance improvements by jointly conducting segmentation and classification. In the segmentation only system, the mean JI was 68.5%. In the classification only system, the accuracy of classifying four types of hepatic lesions was 79.8%. The mean JI and classification accuracy were 68.5% and 82.2%, respectively, for the proposed joint system. The optimal sensitivity and specificity and the AUROC of classifying benign and malignant hepatic lesions of the joint system were 95.0%, 86.0%, and 0.970, respectively. The respective sensitivity, specificity, and the AUROC for classifying four hepatic lesions of the joint system were 86.7%, 89.7%, and 0.947. Conclusions The proposed joint system exhibited fair performance compared to segmentation only and classification only systems. Key Points • The joint segmentation and classification system using deep learning accurately segmented and classified hepatic lesions selected by user clicks in US examination. • The joint segmentation and classification system for hepatic lesions in US images exhibited higher performance than segmentation only and classification only systems. • The joint segmentation and classification system could assist radiologists with minimal experience in US imaging by characterizing hepatic lesions.

Background/aim: In children with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), clinical manifestations range from severe neonatal presentation to renal cysts found by chance. We aimed to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory findings, and genetic analysis of children with ADPKD. Materials and methods: We evaluated children diagnosed with ADPKD between January 2006 and January 2019. The diagnosis was established by family history, ultrasound findings, and/or genetic analysis. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings were evaluated retrospectively. Patients < 10 years and >= 10 years at the time of diagnosis were divided into 2 groups and parameters were compared between the groups. Results: There were 41 children (M/F: 18/23) diagnosed with ADPKD. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.2 +/- 5.1 (0.6-16.9) years and the follow-up duration was 59.34 perpendicular to 40.56 (8-198) months. Five patients (12%) were diagnosed as very early onset ADPKD. All patients had a positive family history. Genetic analysis was performed in 29 patients (PKD1 mutations in 21, PKD2 mutations in 1, no mutation in 3). Cysts were bilateral in 35 (85%) of the patients. Only one patient had hepatic cysts. No valvular defect was defined in 12 patients detected. Only 1 patient had hypertension. None of them had chronic kidney disease. No difference could be demonstrated in sex, laterality of the cysts, maximum cyst diameter, cyst or kidney enlargement, follow-up duration, or GFR at last visit between Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: The majority of children with ADPKD had preserved renal functions and slight cyst enlargement during their follow-up. However, they may have different renal problems deserving closed follow-up.

We present a case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which leads to the diagnosis of severe cystic echinococcosis. Our patient presented with platelets of 5 × 109/L, and investigations uncovered multiple large echinococcal hepatic cysts, the largest of which measured 19.4 × 15 × 12 cm, and peritoneal implants. While initially refractory to prednisone and immunoglobulins, the ITP responded to dexamethasone. The echinococcosis was treated with albendazole followed by surgical resection of all lesions. Our patient's disease course has evolved favorable since his initial treatment with an isolated episode of recurrent thrombocytopenia 2 years later, and has remained in remission for the past 2 years. While a causal association between echinococcosis and ITP cannot be confirmed, this case is a reminder of the importance of remaining inquisitive for atypical potential triggers of ITP. We also present a review of the limited literature on the association of parasitic infections and ITP.

Background: Standard treatments for nonparasitic hepatic cysts (NPHCs) include laparoscopic deroofing (LD), percutaneous aspiration, and alcohol sclerotherapy. However, these treatments have limita...

Congenital hepatic cysts are a common disorder. Usually they are asymptomatic and do not have to be treated. However, some serious complications can occur. We report here the case of an 86-year old patient who has been treated by a percutaneous drainage for an infected solitary hepatic cyst due to urinary sepsis. She was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine for epigastric pain with fever and chills. The patient was treated for a urinary tract infection 3 weeks ago by her General Practitioner. On admission, blood tests showed 21 620 neutrophils per microliter with a C-reactive protein level at 443.7 mg/L, procalcitonin > 200 ng/mL, total bilirubin at 1.43 mg/dL, lactate dehydrogenase at 666 U/L and alanine aminotransferase at 227 U/L. Urinalysis and hemocultures highlighted the presence of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus constellatus. The abdominal tomodensitometry indicated the pre-sence of a left hepatic biliary cyst with banal appearance. She was first treated with intravenous amoxicillin clavulanic acid. After a few days, another abdominal tomodensitometry with contrast pinpointed a large abscess of 11 centimeters in diameter extending to liver segments II and IV with a similar small lesion in segments IV and V. clindamycin per os was added to the treatment because of its good diffusion in tissues. Percutaneous drain was inserted under tomodensitometric control and stayed in place until the follow-up at three weeks. Bacteriologic culture on the fluid sample demonstrated the presence of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus constellatus. The abscess completely regressed after 6 weeks of treatment and the biologic abnormalities resolved at the same time.

Introduction Intracystic haemorrhage is a rare complication of hepatic cysts, and is often mistaken for a malignant lesion. Case Report A 55-year-old female with a history of polycystic kidney and liver disease presented with a six-month history of abdominal distension, abdominal pain, early satiety, shortness of breath and 5 kg of weight loss. Imaging revealed a 20 cm mixed solid-cystic hepatic lesion containing peripheral avascular mobile echogenic material with a flame-like morphology. After experiencing symptomatic relief from ultrasound-guided aspiration, the patient underwent cyst fenestration for more definitive treatment. Discussion Haemorrhagic hepatic cysts are uncommon and may present on imaging as having lace-like retractile clot, internal layering or shading of separating blood products or avascular mobile flame-like excrescences. The presence of avascular mobile flame-like excrescences appears to be a unique feature of haemorrhagic hepatic cysts. Conclusion While haemorrhagic hepatic cysts are rare and commonly mistaken for biliary cystadenomas or adenocarcinomas, the identification of particular features on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound can lead to the correct diagnosis.

Introduction: Liver injuries are frequent in abdominal trauma and may be managed using a variety of methods. The operative management of deep, penetrating wounds generally involves balloon tamponade of the wound tract using a Sengstaken-Blakemore catheter. Case Presentation: A haemodynamically unstable 34-year-old male with multiple thoracoabdominal gunshot wounds was transferred to the operating theatre. At laparotomy, a grade 3 transfixing (through and through) bilobar hepatic wound was discovered with active hemorrhage. Unfortunately, no suitable balloon catheters were available, so, as an alternative, tamponade of the wound tract was successfully achieved using a tubular omental patch. Discussion: Omental patches are commonly used in the management of perforated duodenal ulcers and have been used to prevent recurrence following hepatic cyst de-roofing. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of this technique for the management of penetrating bilobar transfixing hepatic injury. Conclusion: A tubular omental patch may be used to achieve tamponade of deep wounds in penetrating hepatic trauma. This could be a particularly useful technique in resource-poor environments, or where a suitable balloon catheter is otherwise unavailable.

Despite their ubiquitous presence, easy availability and diverse possibilities, falciform ligament and hepatic round ligament have been used less frequently than their potential dictates. This article aims to comprehensively review the applications of hepatic round ligament/falciform ligament flap and graft in abdominal surgery and assess their utility and efficacy. Medical literature/indexing databases were searched, using internet search engines, for pertinent articles and analysed. The studied flap and graft have found utility predominantly in the management of diaphragmatic hernias, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic perforations, biliary reconstruction, venous reconstruction, post-operative pancreatic fistula, post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage, hepatic cyst cavity obliteration, liver bleed, sternal dehiscence, splenectomy, reinforcement of aortic stump, feeding access, diagnostic/therapeutic access into portal system, composite tissue allo-transplant and ventriculo-peritoneal shunting where they have exhibited the desired efficacy. Hepatic round ligament/falciform ligament flap and graft are versatile and have multifarious applications in abdominal surgery with some novel and unique uses in hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery including liver transplantation. Their evident efficacy needs wider adoption to realise their true potential.

Junjuan Xiao, Lin Ma, Junwei Li, Beibei Yin, Jing Liang, Jun Wang Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jun WangDepartment of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-531-8926-8839Email ggjun2005@126.comJing LiangDepartment of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, No. 16766, Jingshi Road, Jinan 250014, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-531-8926-9316Email liangjing0531@163.comAbstract: Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the liver is an uncommon cancer type. Only dozens of such cases have been reported in the literature. We reviewed three cases with primary SCC of the liver in a single center from January 2013 to October 2019. One case was positive for hepatitis B infection and simultaneously diagnosed with sigmoid adenocarcinoma and liver cyst. The second patient presented with hepatolithiasis. The remaining one had no history of prior liver insult, hepatic infection or any pre-existing hepatic cysts. Two cases had a long survival of more than one year through chemotherapy, or radical surgery plus transarterial chemoembolization. We also found 25 patients with primary hepatic SCC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 1997 to 2016. The median age was 67 years (range 33– 87 years). The median overall survival and disease-specific survival were 7.7 months (range 0.0– 76.0 months) and 2.0 months (range 0.0– 20.0 months), respectively. Furthermore, patients receiving surgery had a longer median OS (20.0 versus 6.0 months, P = 0.016) and DSS (48.0 versus 8.0 months, P = 0.03) than those receiving palliative treatment. Only 20% of all cases survived for more than a year. Although primary SCC of the liver has an unfavorable prognosis, radical surgery and systematic treatment might be helpful for clinical management.Keywords: primary squamous cell carcinoma, liver, survival, surgery, chemotherapy, SEER

Cystic hepatic lesions are one of the most commonly encountered lesions in daily practice. The diagnosis ranges from benign lesions of no clinical significance to malignant and potentially lethal conditions. The prevalence of hepatic cyst 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 be used to characterize further and diagnose these lesions. Cystic liver metastasis the most important diagnosis to exclude when multiple cystic lesions are identified in the liver. The common primary sources for cystic hepatic metastasis are colon, kidney, prostate, ovary/testis, squamous cell lung cancer, GIST, sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumors and about50% of all cystic hepatic metastases arise from primary colon cancer. Liver abscesses an important differential diagnosis for cystic hepatic metastases. The cystic nature of these hepatic metastasis may be due to development of central necrosis due to more rapid growth of the tumor compared to its arterial supply. The radiological appearance of the metastases varies depending on the primary. Clinical history of primary and multiplicity of the lesions are classic features of hepatic metastases. Ultrasound and CT may provide limited information for differentiation, we here report a case cystic hepatic metastasis from an early endometrial cancer that recurred in liver after 8 years following surgery and brachytherapy.

Background Simple hepatic cysts (SHC) may cause pain and bloating and thus impair quality of life. Whereas current guidelines recommend laparoscopic cyst deroofing, percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy (PAS) may be used as a less invasive alternative. This review aimed to assess the efficacy of PAS and surgical management in patients with symptomatic SHC. Methods A systematic search in PubMed and Embase was performed according to PRISMA-guidelines. Studies reporting symptoms were included. Methodological quality was assessed by the MINORS-tool. Primary outcomes were symptom relief, symptomatic recurrence and quality of life, for which a meta-analysis of proportions was performed. Results In total, 736 patients from 34 studies were included of whom 265 (36%) underwent PAS, 348 (47%) laparoscopic cyst deroofing, and 123 (17%) open surgical management. During weighted mean follow-up of 26.1, 38.2 and 21.3 months, symptoms persisted in 3.5%, 2.1%, 4.2%, for PAS, laparoscopic and open surgical management, respectively. Major complication rates were 0.8%, 1.7%, and 2.4% and cyst recurrence rates were 0.0%, 5.6%, and 7.7%, respectively. Conclusion Outcomes of PAS for symptomatic SHC appear to be excellent. Studies including a step-up approach which reserves laparoscopic cyst deroofing for symptomatic recurrence after one or two PAS procedures are needed.

Background Simple hepatic cysts are relatively common in adults, and mostly appear as asymptomatic incidental radiologic findings. Occasionally, a large cyst will cause symptoms. Elevations in the serum biomarkers protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA)-II, cancer antigen (CA) 12-5, and CA19-9 are often associated with malignant tumors in the liver or bile ducts. This is the first report to describe a case of hepatic cyst with elevated levels of PIVKA-II and CA12-5. Case summary An 84-year-old Chinese woman was admitted with gradual abdominal distension. Her symptoms started 1 year ago, and she had poor appetite and a weight loss of 5 kg within the past 2 wk. She denied any symptoms associated with abdominal pain, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, etc. The abdomen was enlarged, more in the right upper quadrant, without tenderness. Laboratory examination showed significantly increased serum levels of PIVKA-II, CA12-5, and CA19-9. A computed tomography scan revealed multiple round cysts in the liver with clear boundaries. The largest cyst was 20.1 cm × 12.2 cm × 19.6 cm in size, located in the right lobe of the liver with mild dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct, but there was no contrast enhancement. Percutaneous drainage on the largest hepatic cyst and polycinnamol sclerosing agent injection into the cyst cavity were performed. After treatment, the patient's symptoms relieved and the elevated serum tumor makers reduced to the normal levels dramatically. Conclusion The present report identifies an unusual case of a giant hepatic cyst with marked elevation of serum tumor marker levels of PIVKA-II, CA12-5, and CA19-9. After treatment, these three serum markers dramatically decreased to normal levels. The mechanisms for the elevation of these tumor markers may be as follows: (1) A giant hepatic cyst compresses the liver, causing injury to the hepatocytes, which may lead to secretion of a large amount of PIVKA-II; and (2) Some tumor-associated antigens, such as carcinoembryonic antigen, CA19-9, CA12-5, and CA15-3, are expressed on inflammatory cells.

Highlights • Progressively enlarging non tender liver mass in a pregnant female. • Open cystectomy done with minimal bleeding; a bile leak develop post operatively that resolved spontaneously. • Healthy term baby delivered post cystectomy. • Histology report showed features in keeping with a myxoma. • Literature review yielded little information on previous presentation of extracardiac myxoma. • Case report included., Myxomas are benign tumours occurring commonly, but not limited to the heart. Myxomas can also occur in various locations such as the skeletal muscles, skin, urogenital tract, subcutaneous tissue and even in bone. They are quite rare; are tumours of mesenchymal origin and usually produce mucinous type fluid. About 1 in 10 are hereditary and tend to occur more commonly in women. Common benign hepatic masses are of epithelial origin and majority are discovered incidentally on radiological abdominal or chest screening. We present a case of an intrahepatic myxoma. Clinical and radiological features in keeping with a simple hepatic cyst. The elective surgical intervention planned was that of an open cystectomy. Progression of the case led to emergency laparotomy after trauma to the patient’s abdomen and the patient presenting with an acute abdomen and clinical features of cyst rupture. Aspiration of the seemingly mixed solid-cystic mass revealed a very thick non purulent turbid fluid which was sent together with the excised mass for cytology and histopathology. Histology reported features of an intrahepatic myxoma.

Background Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is the most common treatment to manage hydrocephalus; it is unfortunately burdened by up to 25% of complications. The peritoneal approach may expose patients to many complications, however the formation of a liver pseudocyst is a rare occurrence, and its mechanisms are still largely unknown. Case report We report the case of a 69-year-old woman with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, inserted for the management of post aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage hydrocephalus, presenting to the Accident and Emergency for acute cholecystitis. Besides confirming the diagnosis, an ultrasound investigation revealed the presence of a hepatic cyst. Conservative treatment with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was performed with favorable outcome and resorption of the cyst. Interestingly the patient kept on presenting several similar episodes managed well by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone, each of them associated with transient symptoms and signs of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction. Computerized Tomography brain and lumbar puncture were normal, whereas CT abdomen showed the ventriculoperitoneal shunt distal catheter passing through the hepatic cyst. Given the ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction, in the context of an infective/inflammatory process a conversion of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt into a ventriculo-atrial shunt was carried out with successful clinical outcome. Conclusion Based on current literature we propose a clinical and radiological classification of such pseudocysts related to ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and management options are proposed for each type: purely infective, spurious (infective/inflammatory) and purely inflammatory. In the absence of system infection, a simple replacement of the distal catheter seems to be the best solution.

Background: Hydatidosis is a major health problem around the world, especially in the Mediterranean region. Cysts can break open or develop secondary bacterial infections, altering the clinical presentation. Methods: Patients who underwent hydatid cyst surgery at Al-Mouassat University Hospital in Damascus, Syria between January 2006 and December 2017 were evaluated. Cases involving isolated hepatic cysts were excluded. The patients were divided into those with perforated hydatid cysts (group 1) and those with intact hydatid cysts (group 2). Results: This study included 224 cases: 113 in group 1 (50.4%) and 111 in group 2 (49.6%). The median chest tube duration, hospitalization time, and postoperative complication rate were higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.003, p=0.002, and p=0.006, respectively). In both groups, the most common symptom was cough (present in 178 patients in total [79.5%]), while chest pain (121 patients [54%]) and dyspnea (113 patients [50.4%]) were also common. Cough, hemoptysis, fever, and expectoration of cystic contents were significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (p

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) peritoneal pseudocysts are a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. They can manifest with symptoms of shunt malfunction or, more commonly, vague symptoms of abdominal discomfort such as pain or distention. The imaging features of peritoneal CSF pseudocysts may be nonspecific. In this case, we report a peritoneal CSF pseudocyst, which was initially mistaken for a complex hepatic cyst on both ultrasonography and MRI. The correct diagnosis was confirmed with a shuntogram and CT of the abdomen.

Abdominal ultrasound in a 50-year-old Japanese man revealed a cystic lesion on the caudate lobe of the liver. Four-month follow-up imaging showed a rapid increase in the size of the cystic lesion. The patient underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy because of a suspicion and perceived risk that the lesion might be malignant. The initial histological diagnosis was a hepatic cyst. Eleven months later, computed tomography showed a giant cystic lesion in the abdominal cavity and multiple liver metastases. The patient underwent excision of the giant cystic lesion and a partial hepatectomy. Immunohistochemistry for the recurring lesion revealed undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver.

A 70-year-old female was found to have multiple hepatic cysts at her annual checkup. In the posterior segment of the right lobe of the liver, an 81 × 67 mm circular cystic lesion was detected by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cyst revealed a solid component. The cyst had a capsule-like structure and non-uniform fluid accumulation suggested bleeding. Since the lesion was enlarged and malignancy could not be ruled out, it was surgically resected. Histopathologically, reticular fibers of the liver were seen in necrotic tissue and the lesion was diagnosed as a bleeding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The non-cancerous liver tissue showed non-cirrhotic steatohepatitis. This was an unusual presentation of HCC.

Background Hepatic cysts in located posterior segments close to the diaphragm (IVa, VII, and VIII) reportedly have a high recurrence rate. Presently, laparoscopic omentoplasty is the accepted technique; developed from laparoscopic deroofing, which places a viable pedicle flap of omentum to prevent cyst closure. However, potential adhesions have made laparoscopic omentoplasty less favorable. In this paper, we report on an improved surgical technique involving lauromacrogol sclerosis directly under laparoscopic fenestration. We also review and evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of this refined surgical approach. Methods Data from 49 patients admitted to the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from October 2015 to June 2020 with simple hepatic cysts located in the IVa, VII, and VIII segments were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were symptomatic before admission. They were separated into two groups based on the surgical approach they had received; refined laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy or laparoscopic omentoplasty, and were compared and evaluated in terms of the postoperative cyst volume and quality of life. Results No significant differences in sex, age, preoperative cyst volume, surgery duration, hospital stay, and bleeding volume were reported. There were no deaths or major complications in both groups. The postoperative cyst volume was significantly reduced in the laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy group (2.48 cm) compared to the laparoscopic omentoplasty group (3.90 cm). This study evaluated both the immediate and medium-term results with a 3-12 months follow-up period for all patients. The cyst volume change in the laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy group was found to be significantly greater than that of the laparoscopic omentoplasty group. The feedback regarding quality of life did not vary significantly between the two groups, except for general health and health change, where patients who received laparoscopic sclerotherapy responded with higher scores. Conclusions Our results indicate that laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy surgery was safe and effective in patients with IVa, VII and VIII segment simple hepatic cysts.

Nonparasitic splenic cysts often cause nonspecific symptoms such as pain or early satiety. As it is relatively rarer than hepatic cysts, no established treatment exists for splenic cysts. A 24-year-old woman with a complaint of abdominal discomfort was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography revealed an 11-cm diameter splenic cyst, thought to be the cause of her symptom. Sclerotherapy was performed using polidocanol foam, administered at a volume of 40 mL through a catheter, under local anesthesia. After 2 sessions, the cyst measured 5 cm in diameter, 3 months after the first treatment. Sclerotherapy using polidocanol foam can treat large splenic cysts. It can be performed using local anesthesia and a single puncture, reducing sclerosant use.

Patients with end-stage liver disease may present to healthcare facilities with features of obstructive jaundice and a picture of hilar cholangiocarcinoma on radiological imaging. Careful observation and knowledge of the presence and higher prevalence of peribiliary hepatic cysts in a cirrhotic liver can aid in differentiating this benign entity from malignancy that may halt or delay the patients’ eligibility for receiving a liver transplant. We present a case of a patient with liver cirrhosis initially diagnosed as Klatskin tumor on imaging then as a simple case of multiple peribiliary hepatic cysts with the patient eventually undergoing successful liver transplantation.

We performed a medaka bioassay for the carcinogenicity of methylazoxymethaol acetate (MAM-Ac) to examine the sequential histological changes in the liver from 3 days after exposure until tumor development. The medaka were exposed to MAM-Ac at a concentration of 2 ppm for 24 hours, and were necropsied at 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 60, and 91 days after exposure. MAM-Ac induced four cases of hepatocellular adenoma and one case of hepatocellular carcinoma in 8 fish after 60 or 91 days of exposure. Histological changes in the liver until tumor development were divided into three phases. In the cytotoxic phase (1-10 days), MAM-Ac-exposed hepatocytes showed vacuolar degeneration and underwent necrosis and apoptosis, resulting in multiple foci of hepatocyte loss. In the repopulation phase (14-35 days), the areas of hepatocyte loss were filled with hepatic cysts and the remaining hepatocytes were surrounded by hepatic stellate-like cells (or spindle cells) and gradually disappeared. In the proliferation phase (42-91 days), the original hepatic parenchyma was regenerated and progressively replaced by regenerative hyperplastic nodules and/or liver neoplasms. The medaka retained a strong hepatocyte regenerative ability in response to liver injury. It is considered that this ability promotes the proliferation of initiated hepatocytes in multistep carcinogenesis and influences the development of liver tumor over a short period in medaka.

Aim The prevalence of antenatally-detected hepatic cysts is increasing owing to increased use of maternal ultrasonography (USS). Diagnostic precision, however, is challenging and subsequently there is no clear consensus on postnatal management. The aim of the study was to evaluate the natural history and long-term follow up of congenital simple hepatic cysts. Methods Single-center review of prospectively-maintained dataset collected over a 25-year period. Data are quoted as median (range). Results In the period 1991–2016, 31 infants presented with an antenatally-detected cyst which, on postnatal imaging, was likely confirmed as a simple parenchymal hepatic cyst. These together with a further infant who presented at 4 days without any antenatal imaging comprised the study group (n = 32). Gestational age at detection was 23 (13–38) weeks. Maximum antenatal cyst diameter was measured at 19 (4–120) mm. Only the largest required percutaneous aspiration at 35 weeks’ gestation being associated with polyhydramnios. Postnatally, serial USS was performed alongside MRI/CT or liver scintigraphy if there was diagnostic doubt. Initial maximum cyst diameter was 30 (12–120) mm. Five infants came to surgical intervention and this included excision ± marsupialization (n = 4), and a cyst-jejunostomy en Roux in one child thought to have a connection with the biliary tract on intraoperative cholangiography. The mucosal lining in two cysts showed areas of squamous metaplasia, with one more showing an intact squamous lining probably more consistent with an epidermoid cyst. In the remaining cases (n = 27), all asymptomatic, serial USS showed volume maintenance (n = 16) actual volume regression (n = 4) and resolution (n = 7). Median follow-up in these cases was 42 (4–252) months. Conclusion This is the largest case series to date of antenatally-detected simple hepatic cysts. Most can be managed conservatively, and relative regression or resolution is likely. Surgical intervention should be reserved for those: that are large at the outset; show rapid cyst growth — these being typically exophytic in nature; wall irregularity or where there is diagnostic doubt. Type of study Case series. Level of evidence Level IV.

Highlights • Large hepatic cysts may be at risk of infection following pancreatoduodenectomy. • Percutaneous transhepatic drainage, rather than antibiotic administration, is essential treatment. • Minocycline hydrochloride injection into the infected cyst is also effective., Introduction Asymptomatic hepatic cysts, often observed on computed tomography, have never been reported as a risk factor for infection following pancreatoduodenectomy. Symptomatic liver cysts are treated surgically or non-surgically. We encountered a case of infected hepatic cyst following pancreatoduodenectomy. Presentation of case An 88-year-old woman underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma in the duodenum papilla of Vater. She was discharged (postoperative day 23), following an uneventful course. However, 7 days later, she was re-admitted because of a high fever; postoperative cholangitis was suspected. A peripheral-venous blood bacterial culture was negative. Her C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count were 0.57 mg/dl and 5290/μl, respectively. Antibiotics were administered, but her high fever only temporarily decreased. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed ring enhancement surrounding the largest of several hepatic cysts. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage was performed; thereafter, minocycline hydrochloride was repeatedly injected into the infected cyst through the drain to prevent infection recurrence. The drain was removed 49 days after drainage. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography at 6 months postoperatively, the infected hepatic cyst had reduced in size from 6.0 to 1.7 cm and no findings of bile duct stenosis were observed. No further infectious events have been observed. Discussion Relatively large hepatic cysts may be at risk of infection following pancreatoduodenectomy and, in particular, biliary reconstruction. Conclusion Transhepatic drainage, rather than antibiotic administration, is essential, and minocycline hydrochloride injection into infected cyst that have no evidence of communication with the biliary tree is effective in preventing infection recurrence, without the complication of bile duct stenosis.

Introduction: Congenital simple hepatic cysts are extremely rare and are usually asymptomatic. The best therapeutic approach to treating simple liver cysts remains the subject of scientific debate. Case report: We present the case of a giant liver cyst removed with a minimally invasive, laparoscopic approach in a 68-year-old woman, who presented with rapid weight loss. Conclusion: Due to the lack of randomized clinical trials comparing minimally invasive (laparoscopic) and open surgery approaches in liver cyst treatment, we recommend a personalized medical approach, applied after analyzing the characteristics of both the cyst and the patient.

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) develops due to embryonic ductal plate malformation of intrahepatic bile ducts. Cysts in the liver can range from a simple compression effect to severe liver failure. The most common complication is rupture and inflammation of cyst. It can sometimes progress to the extent of pushing the heart to the left or compressing the inferior vena cava, thereby reducing the venous return. Here, we present a case with giant liver cyst related symptoms that caused external compression of the right ventricle and atrium. A 71 year old female patient was admitted to our emergency department with increasing dyspnea, chest pain, and abdominal distension. Her vital signs were as follows: temperature 38°C, pulse 140 beats/min, and blood pressure 70/40 mmHg. Her abdomen was distended, and there was minimal epigastric tenderness. Hepatomegaly was also present. Posteroanterior chest radiography revealed opacity that erased the right diaphragm contour at the right inferior hemithorax. In thoracoabdominal computed tomography, the heart was deviated toward the left due to the compression of a large cystic formation located in the hepatic right lobe, pushing the diaphragm to the superior. Piperacillin/tazobactam 3 g × 4.5 g treatment was initiated, and external drainage was performed by interventional radiology. Following this procedure, significant improvement was observed in the patient’s condition. Her symptoms significantly improved, and the drainage catheter was removed on the seventh day. Hepatic cysts in patients with PLD may compress adjacent structures, and cardiac compression can be life threatening if hemodynamic instability occurs.

A liver mass was incidentally revealed in a 10-year-old male neutered Himalayan cat on radiographic examination conducted in a local animal hospital. The abdominal distention had worsened over the past five months, along with intermittent vomiting and nausea for two weeks. Serum chemistry was unremarkable, except for elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels. Radiography revealed a round-shaped soft mass in the cranial abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a well defined, massive, fluid-filled cyst with multiple lobes, and heterogeneous echogenicity in the pancreas. Computed tomography examination revealed hypoplasia of the left lobes of the liver, but the vascular changes and enhancement of the mass were not observed on contrast computed tomography images. The herniation of the abdominal fat through the diaphragm was incidentally observed on sonography and computed tomography scan. The patient was tentatively diagnosed with pancreatic cyst. The laparotomy revealed that the origin was not related to the pancreas, but was suspended from the liver. The mass was multilobular and filled with approximately 120 ml of fluid containing a few white blood cells. The patient recovered from anesthesia, but showed postoperative respiratory depression and died of cardiac arrest 15 hours later. Histopathologically, the mass was definitively diagnosed to be hepatic cellular carcinoma.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Echocardiography can demonstrate hepatic cyst–induced right atrial compression. • Hepatic cyst–induced blood flow stasis can cause internal jugular venous thrombus. • Laparoscopic deroofing of hepatic cysts is a safe and effective treatment.

Background and Aims Simple liver cyst (SHC) is a benign condition with no malignant potential. They are typically discovered incidentally due to the increased use of abdominal imaging, but some patients may present with abdominal pain. A radiologist’s differential diagnosis in cases of SHC will often include “rule out biliary cystadenoma.” Under these circumstances, patients and surgeons are more likely to pursue surgical options even in asymptomatic cases. The aim of this study is to conduct a retrospective analysis of presentation, radiologic reporting, management plan, and histopathology of patients referred to a tertiary hospital in order to determine the correlation between radiology and histology. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, radiological, and histopathological data of 20 patients operated for a diagnosis of a cystic lesion in the liver. Result The CT/MRI of 6 (30%) patients was reported as a biliary cystadenoma, 13 (65%) were reported as a simple hepatic cyst and 1 patient (5%) had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the additional diagnosis of multiple hepatic cysts. The lesion reported as HCC on the scan was separate from the cystic lesions. The modality of imaging for these cysts was evenly split, 50% of patients had a CT scan, and 50% had an MRI performed. All imaging studies were interpreted by an attending radiologist and most of them were discussed in multidisciplinary meetings. Nineteen patients (95%) had an intraoperative diagnosis of a simple liver cyst based on its visual appearance and clear fluid within the cyst. These patients underwent cyst wall fenestration and de-roofing with the cyst wall sent for histopathology. One patient (5%) with HCC underwent a non-anatomical liver resection. Histopathology was conclusive for a benign hepatic cystic lesion from the cyst wall biopsy. All 20 patients in this study underwent surgery, either due to symptoms or due to radiologic diagnosis of BCA. Four of the 20 cases (20%) were asymptomatic and out of these four cases, 3 (75%) were diagnosed as cystadenoma on the preoperative imaging studies. All 19 cases were diagnosed as a simple liver cyst on pathology. Conclusion In summary, there is a growing trend of “ruling-out the diagnosis of biliary cystadenoma” in patients who present with liver cysts. Patients are appropriately more anxious after this preoperative diagnosis and the treating surgeons have medico-legal concerns regarding conservative management in asymptomatic patients diagnosed as BCA. This single center experience draws attention to the radiology criteria utilized for diagnosing a biliary cystadenoma and suggests that it is time to revisit the imaging interpretation and differential diagnosis.

In the absence of liver disease, a liver lesion incidentally found is most likely benign. The balance a clinician strikes is a prudent approach to differentiate benign from malignant tumors as noninvasively as possible.