Hepatic Cysts Questions & Answers

Updated: Aug 10, 2022
  • Author: Robert E Glasgow, MD; Chief Editor: John Geibel, MD, MSc, DSc, AGAF  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is a hepatic cyst and how are types of cystic lesions of the liver differentiated?

What is the preferred treatment approach to simple hepatic/liver cysts?

What are the pathophysiology and etiology of liver abscesses associated with hepatic cysts?

What causes simple hepatic/liver cysts and how is cyst fluid characterized?

What are the pathophysiology and etiology of polycystic liver disease (PCLD)?

What are the pathophysiology and etiology of neoplastic cysts?

What are the pathophysiology and etiology of hydatid cysts?

How common are hepatic cysts?

What are the cure rates of hepatic cysts?

Which surgical procedures are used to treat hepatic cysts?

Presentation

What are the clinical findings in simple hepatic/liver cysts?

What are the clinical findings in polycystic liver disease (PCLD)?

What are the clinical findings of neoplastic cysts of the liver?

What are the history and clinical findings of hydatid cysts of the liver?

What are the common features of the history and clinical findings of liver abscesses associated with hepatic cysts?

Workup

How is a patient with hepatic/liver cysts evaluated?

How were hepatic/liver cysts diagnosed prior to abdominal imaging techniques?

What is the role of a liver function test (LFT) in the workup of hepatic cysts?

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of polycystic liver disease (PCLD)?

Which lab study findings are notable in the workup of hydatid cysts of the liver?

Which lab study findings are consistent with cystic tumors in the workup of hepatic/liver cysts?

Which lab study finding is consistent with abscessed hepatic/liver cysts?

How is an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test used in the workup of hepatic/liver cysts?

Which imaging studies are indicated in the workup of hepatic cysts and how are the types of liver cysts differentiated?

Is percutaneous aspiration indicated in the workup of hepatic/liver cysts?

When is histologic assessment indicated in the workup of hepatic/liver cysts?

Treatment

What is the treatment of hepatic/liver cysts?

What are the contraindications to treatment of hepatic/liver cysts?

What are the WHO recommended indications for PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, reaspiration) for hydatid cysts of the liver?

What is the role of medical therapy in the treatment of hepatic/liver cysts?

What is the role of medical therapy in the treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver?

Which procedure is used in the treatment of hydatid disease of the liver?

What are the WHO recommended contraindications for PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, reaspiration) for hydatid cysts of the liver?

Where is PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, reaspiration) treatment for hydatid cysts of the liver performed and what follow-up care is indicated?

What is the medical treatment of liver abscesses associated with hepatic cysts?

When is surgery indicated for simple hepatic cysts?

When is surgery indicated for polycystic liver disease (PCLD)?

When is surgery indicated for neoplastic cysts of the liver?

When is surgery indicated for hydatid cysts of the liver?

When is surgery indicated for liver abscesses associated with hepatic cysts?

How is the surgical procedure performed for the treatment of hepatic/liver cysts?

What are the technical points in surgical therapy for hepatic/liver cysts?

What is the postoperative care of patients with hepatic/liver cysts?

What are the complications associated with the treatment of hepatic/liver cysts?

What long-term monitoring is indicated for patients who have undergone surgery for hepatic/liver cysts?