Rare cystic liver lesions: A diagnostic and managing challenge

Abstract

Cystic formations within the liver are a frequent finding among populations. Besides the common cystic lesions, like simple liver cysts, rare cystic liver lesions like cystadenocarcinoma should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. Thorough knowledge of each entity's nature and course are key elements to successful treatment. Detailed search in PubMed, Cochrane Database, and international published literature regarding rare cystic liver lesions was carried out. In our research are included not only primary rare lesions like cystadenoma, hydatid cyst, and polycystic liver disease, but also secondary ones like metastasis from gastrointestinal stromal tumors lesions. Up-to date knowledge regarding diagnosis and management of rare cystic liver lesions is provided. A diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm is also proposed. The need for a multidisciplinary approach by a team including radiologists and surgeons familiar with liver cystic entities, diagnostic tools, and treatment modalities is stressed. Patients with cystic liver lesions must be carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, in order to receive the most appropriate treatment, since many cystic liver lesions have a malignant potential and evolution.

Infectious Hepatic Cyst: An Underestimated Complication

“…It is sometimes challenging to differentiate IHC from other broad differential diagnoses, such as hemorrhagic cysts, biloma and cystic neoplasm (31). A careful evaluation of certain imaging features, such as the cyst complexity, including heterogeneous internal features (Fig.…”

Cysts and Polycystic Liver Disease

“…Cystic and polycystic lesions within the liver have been reported to occur in up to 5 % of the population [ 1 ]. These lesions can present with general or specifi c symptoms, depending of the nature and the size of the lesions, or they can be silent and discovered accidentally.…”

Unusual presentation of metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour

“…2 Metastatic GISTs often present as a solid, soft and fragile lesion. However, most recurrent GISTs are known to occur within 5 years after resection of the primary tumour, and recurrences after more than 10 years are extremely rare.…”

“…Reports of recurrent metastatic GIST after more than 10 years are limited to isolated case reports. 2 Metastatic GISTs often present as a solid, soft and fragile lesion. Treatment with imatinib has been known to cause cystic necrosis, which reflects the efficacy of imatinib, and it is not uncommon for treated GISTs to appear as a cystic lesion on cross-sectional imaging.…”