Hepatic Cystadenomas Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Jun 28, 2021
  • Author: Krishan Ariyarathna, MD; Chief Editor: BS Anand, MD  more...
  • Print
DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Hepatic cystadenomas are considered in the differential diagnosis of other hepatic cystic lesions, including simple cysts, echinococcal cysts, and cystadenocarcinomas. [3, 4] Intracystic hemorrhage, septations, or mural nodularity can be present both in cystadenomas and in other cystic lesions of the liver. Less commonly, cystadenomas may be confused with necrotic neoplasms, cystic metastases, abscesses, cystic hamartomas, embryonal sarcomas, hematomas, or other congenital cysts. Diagnostic questions also may arise in patients with Caroli disease or other forms of polycystic liver disease. Multiple bile duct hamartomas (von Meyenburg complex) can also mimic biliary cystadenoma, both for presentation and for imaging. [5]

Differential Diagnoses