Case report of a giant hepatic cyst observed during routine dissection in gross anatomy lab (916.3)

Abstract

Introduction: Most hepatic cysts are asymptomatic and found incidentally. Giant cysts (>= 6cm across) are likely to be symptomatic and lead to complications such as hemorrhage, rupture, infection, and biliary tree obstruction. Liver cysts are found in 1% of autopsies, but there are currently no cited reports of giant hepatic cysts in cadavers. Case report: The hepatic cyst was found during routine abdominal dissection for an undergraduate medical class. The donor was an 83 year old Caucasian female with failure of respiratory, renal, and cardiac systems. On inspection, the liver was markedly enlarged with the inferior border of the right lobe surpassing the costal margin. The consistency of the left lobe was spongy, while the right lobe was unremarkable. Removal of the liver resulted in rupture of the cyst and release of its viscous, purulent, and malodorous contents. Measurements: On gross examination, the liver was measured to be about 20cm at the mid-clavicular line (normal averages 7cm), while the cyst is approximately 13cm in diameter. We will present a reconstruction of the cyst. Conclusion: It can be hypothesized that the cyst was previously detected but treatment was withheld due to the patient’s various comorbidities.