Hepatic Cyst Infection Following Recurrent Biliary Obstruction in Polycystic Liver Disease

An 89-year-old man with polycystic liver disease (PCLD) received uncovered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement above the papilla for malignant biliary obstruction caused by cholangiocarcinoma. He developed cholangitis ten months later due to SEMS occlusion caused by tumor ingrowth, and 2 plastic biliary stents were placed inside the SEMS across the papilla. Fever and right costal pain appeared two weeks after reintervention. Suspecting hepatic cyst infection based on imaging studies, percutaneous transhepatic cyst drainage was performed. Increased inflammatory cells and the presence of pathogens in the cyst fluid led to a definitive diagnosis of hepatic cyst infection. Following drainage, the hepatic cyst shrank with resolution of the symptoms. SEMS occlusive-related cholangitis or retrograde infection due to duodenal-biliary reflux after reintervention was considered as the cause of the hepatic cyst infection. Careful clinical and imaging evaluation should be performed in patients with PCLD undergone biliary stenting, because cyst infection may occur following stent occlusion or subsequent biliary reintervention.